Waterford build-up: ‘Come hell or high water I’ll be there’

No unadorned surface has been left untouched, no bare space undecorated, as walls, animals, bales of hay, and cars have been given the blue and white treatment as Waterford fans prepare for their first All-Ireland final in nine years, with their heroes attempting to bridge a winning gap stretching to 1959.

Not even the threat of a naked John Mullane riding horseback down the quays of the old city have thwarted the current players in their quest for the trophy all hurling people want to win. Record levels of Déise supporters are expected at Croke Park tomorrow as the rollercoaster winds its way to a conclusion.

Galway, on the other hand, have had to wait quite a while themselves since they last took the Liam McCarthy across the Shannon in 1988, although they’ve featured in the decider six times (plus a replay) since then, compared to just that forgettable 2008 experience for Waterford.