Instead of cowering and lowering expectations, the ambition of this group will see them embrace the excitement and giddiness that is evident in Waterford.

Paraic Mahony wrongly proclaimed that 'nice guys win nothing'. Nice guys can be compassionate, giving and ruthlessly driven

Cian Lynch chatted openly to James Keenan followed by a smiling and questioning Gearóid Hegarty before the camera clipped to the two assassins, Gillane and Flanagan, engaging in light-hearted banter with the tickled umpires

Waterford look extremely fresh, driven by a manager on the way up with the bit between his teeth.

It's a lazy narrative to say Galway will be a hurt animal against Waterford. The Déise players carry the pain of 2017

A cause linked to emotion, that reinforces the sense you are playing for something immeasurable or intangible, can be very powerful

Watching the Limerick success story from afar and Kiely’s central role provides much joy and optimism.

Going for it. Removing the shackles. Expressing yourself. It all comes from having the work done.

With the greatest respect to Cian Lynch last Sunday, the two best players on the field were Stephen Bennett and Tadgh de Búrca

Column inches and opinion have centred on the ineptitude of the Cork performance in the semi-final rather than energy, dynamism, and creativity of the Waterford approach