YOU SON OF A GUNN

Hartley believes generations of families starring for the Waterford side is secret to their incredible success

- STEPHEN BARRY

FERGAL HARTLEY insists Ballygunner's unparalleled success is not driven by population growth.

The former Waterford captain, who now patrols the sideline as a selector for his home club, points to the longstanding family histories of involvement shared by many players.

Hartley's son, Mark, is the latest chip off the old block to emerge from the Gunners' production line. His nephew, Colm, is another high-scoring prospect.

In 2001, Hartley won a Munster title alongside Micheál Mahony, who is father to Philip, Pauric, Mikey, and Kevin. Paul Foley, another member of that breakthrough team, is Tadhg's father. The Mahonys and Foleys are nephews of former manager Darragh O'Sullivan and long-serving stalwart Shane.

"People talk about population growth and about numbers all the time with Ballygunner. It's not a numbers game," said Hartley.

"When we played an All-Ireland semifinal against St Thomas', that day I think there were 10 players who ended on that pitch whose grandfathers had played for Ballygunner. So all the talk about numbers, it's not a numbers game.

"We have two feeder schools that feed our club. I'm not going to say those numbers are small, but those numbers have been the same for the last 20-odd years, so I think there's a lot more to it than numbers.

"A huge number of the players involved have fathers, uncles, grandparents who have played for the club.