McCarthy wants more after ending Nowlan Park hoodoo
The former Cork star insisted the 0-15 to 1-10 victory was little more than ‘a good start’ to the season.
“The victory has given us two valuable league points, that’s it, nothing more”, McCarthy said.
“Of course I’m pleased with the win and the commitment of every player, but I am always looking for more,” he said.
The victory was additionally special for McCarthy, ending a 40-year Nowlan Park hoodoo.
“I first came here in 1964,” he recalled, “and never once until now have I been involved with the winning side. That’s a nice first at least. That said however, there are still a few things we can brush up on.”
Tactically, Waterford’s ploy of using Eoin Kelly as a third midfielder in the second half worked perfectly.
Midfielders Dave Bennett and Michael Walsh also roamed beyond the confines of that sector, and both men lent invaluable assistance to an at times overworked defence.
Meanwhile, Kilkenny boss Brian Cody, while disappointed at his side’s defeat, heaped praise on what he rates a ‘very good’ Waterford team.
“They had several goal chances and over the 70 minutes they fully deserved their win,” he said.
“We fought hard but you can’t win games without proper preparation but full marks to Waterford on their great effort.”
Cody believes that a defeat away to Galway next Sunday could scupper their hopes of landing a hat-trick of NHL titles.
“If we don’t come away with something from Galway then we will have it all to do to retain our title,” he said.
Meanwhile Clare manager Anthony Daly has not ruled out a return to the defence for Frank Lohan who scored 2-1 from full forward in Sunday’s win over Laois at O’Moore Park.
Lohan, an Allstar corner back, looks set to remain in attack for the ties against Galway and Kilkenny next month, after which Daly will make a decision on his championship line-up.
“Who gave him the number four jersey anyway?” Daly quipped.
“He’s one of the best corner-backs in the country so I’m not ruling him out for the number four jersey yet. We just said we’d try it. We’d have a look at it and so far, so good.
“He had a good outing [against Laois]. It’s going to take a game where he’s marking a Liam Hodgins or a Noel Hickey against Kilkenny. Those games are coming up so we’ll know more then.”
Daly was also encouraged by the performance of David Forde, whose year of absence in 2003 has fed his hunger for a return to the fray.
“Fordie has a big appetite after being out for the year. He’s really keyed up but he got a bit tired towards the end. It was good shooting from the lads but until we see stiffer opposition we won’t know how we’re developing.”
Clare will entertain Dublin next weekend with Daly likely to introduce some new faces. The former skipper’s determination to give everyone a chance was apparent in Portlaoise where the programme listed a mammoth panel of 35 names.
“It was good to get the win. That was the objective and we got that. We need to do the same next week.
“We’ll probably make a few changes and have a look at more fellas. We’ve a big panel and it’s good to see the older guys doing well.”
Brian O’Connell is another who did his chances little harm, when making his senior inter-county debut. And filling Brian Lohan’s shoes, no less.
“It was tough on Brian Lohan. He cried off just beforehand with a hamstring injury. He decided it was better to be safe than sorry so we threw Brian in for his debut. David Cuddy handled it very well. Gerry O’Grady did well when he came in. It was good to give Bobby [McPhillips] and Aonghus O’Brien a game and Jamesie looked good when he came in.”
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