McGrath: Decies are ready

CORK’s awesome demolition of Clare underlined the Rebels’ ability to mix hurling’s rough with the smooth, Waterford ace Ken McGrath warned last night.

McGrath kicked off the mind games ahead of Sunday's sellout provincial decider in Thurles by insisting the reigning champions would go in as clear underdogs.

And it was Cork's ability to mix their play in the victory over the Banner which impressed the Mount Sion man.

"They took on Clare in the physical stakes and beat them just as decisively in that department as they had on the hurling side of things. It was a genuinely awesome display of power play over the 70 minutes."

McGrath said: "They showed a hunger and passion that day that I haven't seen from a Cork team in a very long time, maybe never."

He added that Cork's players appeared to be "unbelievably motivated".

He said this was an indication they clearly had a point to prove, not just to themselves but to certain others after "earlier events" this year.

However, the Deise faithful should be encouraged by Waterford's ability to turn expectations on their head and McGrath reckoned: "We always seem to reserve our best displays when we're not expected to win by the punters, and the popular belief in all the neutral counties will be that this will be Cork's day.

"Morale is very good amongst our lads. Mentally and physically we are as ready for this one as we were for Tipperary 12 months ago. We have a title to defend."

McGrath is one player who will have no difficulty reliving Waterford's last Munster senior hurling championship victory over Cork.

His golden strike with the penultimate puck of a classic game gave

Waterford a memorable 1-16 to 1-15 victory in last year's semi-final and set up the glory that was to follow with victory over Tipperary to bring the coveted provincial title back to the Decies for the first time in 39 years.

Because of injury, McGrath began the day on the bench, but circumstances dictated that he was thrown into the fray after 25 minutes. It gave him a valuable insight into the strengths of Sunday's opposition.

"You underestimate any Cork team at your peril, however," said McGrath. "Even that day, before we knew what hit us they were clawing their way back into the game, and when they levelled virtually in the final minute they looked the more likely winners."

But it was Waterford and McGrath who had the last hurrah, and with just seconds left on the clock he slotted the ball between the posts for the match-winning point.

"It was one of the great moments of my career," McGrath said.

"But Brian Greene should have got a lot more credit because he put the pass on a plate."

His heroics last year brought him Munster championship glory at both club and county level, but the honours didn't end there and he was also named the Waterford Hurler of the year.

"All in the past now," he said, "and the only thing that is focusing my mind right now is Sunday's final against Cork.

"It should be some game of hurling."