Passage 3-16
Ballygunner 3-13
LATE GOALS BY Sean Hogan and Conor Carey helped Passage claim their first ever Waterford senior hurling crown in an amazing decider at Walsh Park this afternoon.
Ballygunner looked on course for victory when they lead by 3-13 to 1-12 with seven minutes left but in an astonishing finale, it was Passage who hit 2-4 without reply to claim success.
Hogan’s goal tied the teams at 2-16 to 3-13 before Carey proved the hero for the club from the fishing village as he pounced for the match-winning score.
Ballygunner had looked on course for their third title in five years and their 13th overall but they were caught by Passage’s late rally.
The victory was one to savour as Passage claimed their first title and made amends for final losses the club had suffered in 1993, 1994 and 1997.
Manager Peter Queally, who is tipped to become the next Waterford boss, was at the helm as Passage experienced glory while ex-Deise senior Eoin Kelly was one of the joint captains.
The teams were level at 1-6 apiece at half-time with Stephen Power grabbing Ballygunner’s goal before Passage hit back with Owen Connors, who hit 1-7 overall and won the man-of-the-match award, firing to the net.
But then Ballygunner took control of the game early in the second-half when Pauric Mahony struck a goal in the 36th minute and JJ Hutchinson raised a green flag five minutes later.
Ballygunner maintained that advantage and looked in control in the finale before Passage produced a stunning revival.
Pic: INPHO/Ken Sutton
