Blow for Waterford U-21’s as Hayes fails to make it

WATERFORD’S bid to reach a first All-Ireland U-21 football championship final has been dealt a major blow with the enforced withdrawal of experienced full-back Ger Hayes for Sunday’s semi-final showdown with Dublin at Semple Stadium.

Hayes, the first choice full- back on the senior team, retired injured in the second-half of the Munster final against Kerry and has lost his fitness battle.

The number three slot goes to Eamonn Walsh, who replaced Hayes in the provincial decider. That is the only change from the history-making side that won the Decies its first Munster title in the grade.