GUNNER BE SO HARD TO DETHRONE THE CHAMPS

ABBEYSIDE face a huge task if they are to end their losing streak in county finals and claim a first

SHC title tomorrow. Four-in-a-row champions Ballygunner are the hottest of favourites to continue their domination of the competition and, indeed, will have designs on provincial glory this winter having repeatedly fallen short in recent years.

The gap between Ballygunner and the rest has been pronounced in finals in recent years, with Tallow coming closest to them in the 2015 final when losing by four points.

They beat Mount Sion by 13 points in 2014 and Passage and De La Salle by 17 and eight points in the last two years respectively.

Managed by former county star Peter Queally, Abbeyside are drawn from an area more readily associated with success in football as the big ball wing of the club, Ballinacourty, have won six SFC titles, half of them since 2007 and reached a Munster final 11 years ago, only losing narrowly to Nemo Rangers.

In hurling, their most recent county final appearance was back in 2008, while they previously lost deciders in 1955, ‘57, ‘64 and ‘69.

The odds point to a sixth final loss at Fraher Field tomorrow, however, with Ballygunner unbackable 1/8 favourites and bolstered by seven players, led by ace marksman Pauric Mahony (inset), who have played for Waterford seniors at some stage or other.

In last year’s Leinster finalists Kilcormac/killoughey look to defend their title against record holders Coolderry, who are bidding for their 31st crown.

Both clubs have contested All-ireland club finals in this decade but appear to be well short of that level now, though K/K’S slump has been less pronounced and they look set for a fifth title.

There’s local pride at stake in the

hurling final with finalists Camross and Rathdowney-errill or variations thereof, on 25 titles each at the top of the roll of honour.

There are also senior hurling finals in (Kiltale-trim) and

(Four Roads-athleague).