For Decies, the future is all that matters

Waterford coach Justin McCarthy isn't dwelling on missed chances, writes Jim O'Sullivan. AMONG the hurling fraternity at large, there would be a belief that time may be running out for the current Waterford team to win an All-Ireland title.

Considerable progress has been made in terms of two Munster titles and a League final appearance, as well as some very respectable performances in the All-Ireland series under the reign of Justin McCarthy. But the argument could be made that they are nowhere nearer taking the Guinness title than they were a few years ago, that the squad is lacking the stability which has sustained Cork under Donal O'Grady and now John Allen and which Kilkenny had been enjoying up to last year.

Not surprisingly, McCarthy doesn't entertain such thoughts, nor would he be prepared to engage in such speculation. Basically, he's a 'here and now' man. There's nothing to be gained from looking back, he argues.