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Deise do it!
 By
Graham Clifford
Who said the National Leagues were dull and uneventful affairs?
On Sunday in Thurles Waterford celebrated like they’d won the All-Ireland
final itself when they disposed of Kilkenny playing a standard of hurling
which would grace the greatest of occasions.
This was a day many fans of the Deise wondered if they’d ever see.
Despite making the big breakthrough in 2002 the Suirsiders have faltered
on the bigger occasions in recent seasons but on Sunday they collected
their first national crown in 39 years.
The side managed by Cork man Justin McCarthy finally have silverware to
show for their massive efforts and won the League final in some style
by 0-20 to 0-18.
Though they led by two points at the break Waterford knew Kilkenny would
enjoy a purple patch and the Cats took a three-point lead in the third
quarter before the Deise gritted their teeth, rolled up their sleeves
and embraced their date with destiny.
With Aidan Kearney, Seamus and Declan Prendergast and John Mullane playing
like their lives depended on it this was one opportunity Waterford would
not let slip through their fingers.
Tied at 0-18 apiece the Munster men dug deep and Eoin Kelly and Seamus
Prendergast knocked over the vital scores to initiate celebrations across
the South-East and who would begrudge them the win? But can they now go
one step further and win an All-Ireland? Based on Sunday’s performance
theres no reason why Waterford’s ad-venture can’t continue.
n For a full report see pages 62-63. |
