Ballygunner boss Jason Ryan was delighted with his side’s second half performance after they saw off St Martin’s to qualify for only their second-ever All-Ireland club SHC final.

Trailing by two points at half-time, the 12-in-a-row Waterford champions gradually took control after the restart to win by 0-19 to 0-10 and set up a final date with Loughrea early in the New Year.

"I thought we controlled things a little bit better in the second half, were a lot more composed and used the ball better. We played with a little bit more freedom,” Ryan told RTÉ.

“It was so tense and tight in the first half that it could have swung any which way. We got a bit of momentum in the second half and stayed going. The gap was there then."

The former Wexford and Kildare football manager was full of praise for his players, adding: "They are an exceptional bunch and I welcome the opportunity to work with such a talented group of players that are so disciplined and dedicated.

"They are on a mission to try and win the next game they play and to be the best that they can be. I have had a lot of years driving long distances and it takes me just short of six minutes to get to training now. That's a novelty.

"It's brilliant to be part of the group and to witness the wonderful performances they have put in this year."

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