THIS WAS THE type of euphoric moment to justify Dessie Hutchinson\u2019s life-changing decision.<\/p>\n
Three years ago when Ballygunner and Ballyhale had previously crossed paths, Hutchinson was watching on. He had only just rejoined his club hurling team, working his way back into the game.<\/p>\n
A soccer career had been parked after a few seaons with Brighton in England, there was a role with the Waterford footballers about to be pursued.<\/p>\n
And then hurling has taken over, consuming his focus as he nailed down a starting spot for Liam Cahill\u2019s Waterford side and has become the attacking figurehead for Ballygunner.<\/p>\n
Saturday represented the culmination of all that work. Man-of-the-match, scorer of 1-3 and All-Ireland senior club hurling winner.<\/p>\n
\u201cI thought I was going to have a heart attack on the pitch in the last seconds. I couldn\u2019t catch my breath, people jumping on you. It was absolutely brilliant. Just walking across the pitch then, going into the dressing room, you just embrace it all and take a good look around you. It\u2019s phenomenal. We\u2019re so privileged to be there and inspire young kids in Ballygunner to come up and do this year in, year out.<\/p>\n
\u201cWatching in that day (at the 2019 All-Ireland club semi-final), it gave me a huge drive to get back and play them again because we wanted to turn them over. They are the pinnacle in the country for four or five years. We knew we were good but we just wanted our chance to play them again.<\/p>\n
\u201cPeople mightn\u2019t like this but I said it to Pauric Mahony on the pitch after that game (the 2020 All-Ireland senior final with Waterford) we have to be up there with Ballygunner. Thankfully, we were up there and it\u2019s absolutely incredible.\u201d<\/p>\n
\n Dessie Hutchinson (right) in action against Darren Mullen.<\/p>\n
Source: Ken Sutton\/INPHO<\/p>\n
The second half was a tale of two Ballygunner goals. The first when Hutchinson cracked home a 48th minute shot to give his team the lift they needed.<\/p>\n
\u201cIt was just a long ball in and I managed to grab it and I was close enough to the goal. I had to go for it especially with the time in the game it was. They are the big minutes you have to chase and thankfully it went in. It brought us back to two points (one) so yeah I was absolutely delighted.\u201d<\/p>\n
\n48 n\u00f3im
@ballygunnerHc 1-14@BallyhaleGAA 1-15<\/p>\nC\u00daL FAIGHTE AG DESSIE HUTCHINSON!! \ud83e\udd73<\/p>\n
BALLYGUNNER RESPOND WITH A GOAL! \ud83d\udc4c
@GAA_BEO @officialgaa
#GAABeo | #TheToughest | #GAA<\/p>\nBEO\/LIVE AR @TG4TV pic.twitter.com\/qqWwfJfD5r<\/p>\n
— Sp\u00f3rt TG4 (@SportTG4) February 12, 2022<\/p><\/blockquote>\n
Then the match-winner from Harry Ruddle to provide a fairytale ending.<\/p>\n