Waterford winners whatever the result

WIN or lose, Waterford’s hurlers will be welcomed home by thousands on Monday evening after their first All-Ireland final appearance for 45 years.

Sunday’s result will determine whether the mood in the city for the homecoming is one of unrestrained celebration or mooted acceptance, but either way the team have gone further than many expected this year and crowds are sure to turn out to congratulate the players and thank them for their efforts in 2008.

The team will arrive back at Plunkett Station by train at 6.30pm and will go to a civic reception at the Quays, via open-top bus.