Ballygunner had goalkeeper Stephen O'Keeffe to thank as they overcame Doon by five points in the Munster club hurling quarter final.
Doon took over the game to lead by four at half-time (0-12 to 0-8) and it looked like they might stretch that lead to seven after 35 minutes when Jack Ryan ran through on Stephen O'Keeffe's goal.
He was odds-on to score but was denied by an incredible save from O'Keeffe, who showed razor-sharp reflexes to keep the shot out.
It was a huge turning point in the game with Ballygunner going down the other end to score a point through Dessie Hutchinson, reducing the gap to three points.
#GAABEO 32 nóim @DoonGaaClub 0-13 (13)@ballygunnerHc 0-9 (9)
Sábháil den scoth ag Stephen O Keefe
Could this be the turning point in the Game??#GAA #Hurling
BEO/LIVE ar @TG4TV pic.twitter.com/c7IBsuCl84
— Spórt TG4 (@SportTG4) November 3, 2024
Ballygunner took over the game from there with Dessie Hutchinson ending his day with six points from play. Patrick Fitzgerald also hit four as they showed their class, with the exertions of Doon's county final win last week beginning to tell in the closing stages.
Derek McGrath's side gave a good account of themselves with Chris Thomas scoring four from play, while Darragh O'Donovan was inspirational in the first half, particularly in scoring this incredible point along the sideline.
#GAABEO 29 nóim @DoonGaaClub 0-11 ()@ballygunnerHc 0-08 ()
CAD É MAR SCÓR ag O Donavon 😱😱
O Donavon with a monster score to put 3 points between the sides #GAA #Hurling
BEO/LIVE ar @TG4TV pic.twitter.com/mbPZmucFus
— Spórt TG4 (@SportTG4) November 3, 2024
After the game, Darragh O'Sullivan hailed his goalkeeper Stephen O'Keeffe for his goal-saving intervention.
"Look it was a crucial time of the game. If they got that, they were gone seven up. The momentum changed and we drove on from there."
Ballygunner will now look ahead to a Munster semi-final against Loughmore-Castleiney, who they controversially defeated in 2021 with both John and Noel McGrath red carded.
The Waterford club can go to the top of the Munster club roll of honour by winning their sixth title this year but O'Sullivan says that is not a motivation for the team.
"I didn't even know that until you said it. We don't think about those things and that's the truth."
