TOP GUNNS

Mahony the star as champs retain title

- By TOMÁS McCARTHY

PAURIC Mahony was star of the show as Ballygunner made it 12 in a row in Waterford with a 22-point mauling of Mount Sion.

On his first start of 2025, the former Déise captain claimed his fifth county final Man of the Match yesterday after shooting eleven points and setting up two goals in 47 minutes on the field.

He has now scored 5-125 in 16 final appearances!

Manager Jason Ryan heaped praise on his ace marksman afterwards: “He was in Germany all this week so he was training in Germany. He had online meetings and he organised himself.

“He's just incredibly dedicated, incredibly focussed. Does everything to get himself right. Whatever has to be done, he just gets on and does it. Selfless and does everything to help Ballygunner.”

Mahony missed the majority of the Championship with a back injury but, after coming off the bench to change the course of the semi final against De La Salle, Ryan admitted that it was a no brainer to start him this time around.

“He's pretty damn good the last day, oh mother of god! He's so clever, so intelligent, gets to the right places, so calm. His frees are outstanding. His contribution was huge,” said Ryan.