Young and old urging their boys on as Waterford sense victory

THE oldest and youngest residents on one of Waterford’s proudest streets gave the county’s hurlers the thumbs up yesterday, ahead of Sunday’s All-Ireland hurling semi-final clash with Limerick at Croke Park.

The street, famous locally for its colourful support of the Waterford hurlers, is awash with flags, bunting and banners.

And its residents said it will get even more colourful, if Waterford beat Limerick on Sunday.

Maura Moore, who lives at 5 Sexton Street, and is aged 81 today, said the best birthday present she could get would be for Waterford to defeat Kilkenny at Croke Park — as they did in 1959 when the county last won an All-Ireland title.

Recalling that final, Ms Moore added: “Waterford always had great supporters; they are absolutely marvellous. But the support nowadays is even better.”

Her next-door neighbour, Cyril Rellis, 42, said locals have draped banners across the street but they have been knocked down by passing trucks. But he promised even bigger displays of support for the Deise lads if they make it to the final.

“On Sunday, September 2, we’re going to have even more colour against Kilkenny,” said Mr Rellis. “All year, we’ve been waiting for the big day and we’re not going to let it slip past us.”

His son Ben, at just three years old, is the youngest resident of Sexton Street. He screamed: “Up the Deise.”

Alan Walsh, 29, from 10 Sexton Street, said that complacency was a problem for Waterford in the past. “But that’s a thing of the past and won’t be an issue for the team on Sunday,” he added. “This is a hell of a chance to win an All-Ireland — and I wouldn’t be one bit afraid of Kilkenny.”

Mayor of Waterford Cllr Mary O’Halloran pledged her support to the Waterford hurlers yesterday. Ms O’Halloran said: “I wish them all the very best. I think every citizen including man, woman, child and dog in the street is 100% behind them.”

“I’ll be up there on Sunday,” she added. “There is such a good feeling after the last two games and it has a massive effect on the children; we need a win like this.”

“When the kids see their team winning, it is fantastic... it can only be good for hurling,” she added.