Quick Start Key To Na Piarsaigh Success

Na Piarsaigh face Ballygunner this Sunday in the 2018 Munster Club Hurling Championship final. Na Piarsaigh will be looking for a fifth crown since 2011 while Ballygunner will be keen to add to their sole success from 2001. Ahead of the highly anticipated game we look at the key talking points.

Can Na Piarsaigh go back to back in Munster?

Na Piarsaigh are no stranger to success in recent years. Although winning their first county title in 2011, Na Piarsaigh have since added County success in 2013, 2015, 2017 and 2018. They will look to continue their unbeaten run in Munster by annexing a fifth County and Provincial double in eight years this Sunday.

This Is somewhat unchartered territory for the Caherdavin side having failed to retain the Limerick Championship after their first four title reigns. This will be the first time they are in the position to retain the Munster Championship, something that has only been done three times in history.

Although Na Piarsaigh have looked relentless in their quest to go back-to-back in Limerick which was followed by an imperious display against Clonoulty Rossmore in the Munster Semi-Final, there must be concerns over fatigue in the squad. Na Piarsaigh were in county championship action two weeks after finishing their 2017 season in March with the squad without a prolonged rest since early 2017.

Hunger and desire are something that this Na Piarsaigh side never lack however, and should they perform to a level we are accustomed to seeing from this side then Munster title number five will be on its way back to Caherdavin.

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Will it be third time lucky for Ballygunner?

For Ballygunner, Sunday will be a third Munster final in four years. Having been defeated by Na Piarsaigh in each of the previous finals, Ballygunner will be more than aware of the task at hand. However, they have no shortage of talent in their squad. In Pauric Mahony they have one of the deadliest forwards in the country while Stephen O’Keefe was All-star goalie in 2017.

Yet Na Piarsaigh are one hurdle that has stumped every team in Munster and Ballygunner will now be tasked with ending their 100% record in the competition. Ballygunner have won five consecutive county titles but have yet to add to their one and only Munster triumph in 2001. The Waterford side are no stranger to heartbreak with eight final losses to add to their one victory.

After defeating the Munster champions of 2016 Ballyea in a classic in the semi-final, Ballygunner will be hoping it can be third time lucky against Na Piarsaigh this Sunday.

Quick start essential for Na Piarsaigh.

Na Piarsaigh tasted Munster Final success against Ballygunner in 2015 and 2017 winning by 7 and 8 points respectively. Yet, the Caherdavin side went into both games trailing after uncharacteristic slow starts. They regrouped terrifically in the second half in both games but will be keen to start well this weekend.

Ballygunner will have learned from the previous encounters with the Limerick kingpins and another slow start could prove costly this time around. Against Clonoulty, Na Piarsaigh had the game all but wrapped up after the opening half and a similar performance on Sunday will provide the perfect platform for a win.