Ballygunner edged Ballylea in a thrilling Munster Senior Hurling Final as they marched on the the All-Ireland semi-finals with a 1-23 to 0-17 win.
In a highly anticipated final with both sides playing exceptional hurling to get to the final, it was the reigning all-Ireland champions who finished stronger to claim victory.
Crucial to their victory today was Patrick Fitzgerald, who scored 1-4, including a crucial goal to help Ballygunner to victory
After victory over Na Piarsaigh in a difficult game, Clare champions Ballyea, could have been forgiven for thinking now is the chance to play them. However, the Waterford champions looked unstoppable as their clinical finishing was the difference between the sides today.
Ballygunner Retain Munster Title
It was a frantic start to the game with forwards from both sides delivering early on. Ballygunner took the early lead with a 0-05 to 0-02 lead after 10 minutes. However, Ballyea were always right in the game, with Tony Kelly vital to Ballyea's chances of victory with 0-11 today.
15 nóim
@ballyea_club 0-06@ballygunnerHc 0-06
Cúlín den scoth faighte ag Tony Kelly!
Kelly evens the score! 👌
#GAABEO #TheToughest @GAA_BEO | @officialgaa | @AIB_GAA
BEO/LIVE AR @TG4TV pic.twitter.com/h9NERJlEq8— Spórt TG4 (@SportTG4) December 3, 2022
In a back and forth first half with both sides taking the lead, it was a powerful Patrick Fitzgerald goal that was the difference between the two sides, as he gave Ballygunner a three point lead at the break with a 1-11 to 0-11 lead.
20 nóim
@ballyea_club 0-07@ballygunnerHc 1-06
Cúl álainn faighte ag Patrick Fitzgerald le haghaidh Baile Mhic Gonair!
Fitzgerald retakes the lead for Ballygunner with a beautiful goal! 👌
#GAABEO #TheToughest @GAA_BEO | @officialgaa | @AIB_GAA
BEO/LIVE AR @TG4TV pic.twitter.com/cZtjB2mvsN— Spórt TG4 (@SportTG4) December 3, 2022
The second half started in similar fashion as Ballyea always looked dangerous and battled hard to close the gap, but Ballygunner's exceptional forward line constantly keeping them at arms length through the game.
Dessie Hutchinson and Pauirc Mahony scored points at crucial times to keep the scoreboard ticking, with the quality of Ballygunner telling in the later stages as they extended their lead to nine points.
Despite the best efforts of Ballyea, the Clare champions couldn't get back into the game as Ballygunner continue their journey to another All-Ireland title. If they keep up this level of performance, it's very hard to see them being stopped.
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