McCarthy delighted at Allstar boost

WATERFORD hurling boss Justin McCarthy has expressed his delight at eight of his charges getting an Allstar nomination.

It’s a tremendous boost for both the players themselves, the team and the county, and hopefully there will be a few on the actual team when it’s announced in due course,” McCarthy said.

“We have been out of the hurling limelight for years and winning the Munster championship this year gave everyone a huge lift. “We have a fantastic bunch of players totally committed to hurling, and it would be a wonderful achievement if we managed to get a couple of Allstars.

“It’s been a long time since Waterford hurling has got this kind of recognition, and it’s no more than we deserve for our efforts this year.

“It would be good for the Allstars to have more counties involved. You need a proper balance. It’s no good having it dominated by one or two counties each year.

“The more counties involved the better it is for the game of hurling and we need that. It’s not going to be easy picking the overall team of the year, but with eight nominations, Waterford must be in with a good chance of getting a couple on.

McCarthy said that, despite its controversies, the Allstar award scheme has lost none of its lustre.

On the omission of Tommy Dunne, McCarthy suggested comparisons were made between his displays this year and those magnificent performances of former years, and he probably lost out on that score.

“Last year Tipperary won the league and championship double and his club Toomevara won the county. Thomas gave a number of outstanding displays, and as captain the onus was then on him to bring the Liam McCarthy Cup around to the various functions throughout the county.

“All that is bound to take its toll on a player, and he wasn’t as dominant this year as heretofore. But I’ve no doubt he’ll bounce back. The rest will do him all the good in the world and I reckon he’ll be back next season hurling better than ever.”

McCarthy said he would be taking nothing for granted against Kerry who they will face in next year’s championship.

“Waterford people have long memories and will readily recall how the Kerry hurlers came to Walsh Park in 1993 and went away with a famous 4-13 to 3-13 victory.

“The winners of that game play Limerick. Of all the teams in the championship, they are the hardest team to be drawn against in Munster and I say that with respect to Tipp, Cork and Clare.”