Waterford's resolve the key to victory

FOR the Waterford hurlers, each year since their overdue Munster final breakthrough in 2002 has brought a heightened sense of expectation.

And, it’s fair to say that hopes of breaking the All-Ireland hoodoo have never been higher — fuelled by their NHL final triumph and the belief they are better equipped to reach, and win, a decider.

Right now, the players cannot afford to think beyond tomorrow’s gripping All-Ireland SHC quarter-final against Cork in Croke Park (4.00pm), a contest all the more intriguing because of the fact that they have already met. And, then there is also the history of the opposing managers — the fact that Cork boss Gerald McCarthy took Waterford to a new level before Justin McCarthy took up the reins and continued their development. Plus the fact that the pair were contemporaries during successful playing careers with Cork.

What was noteworthy about their Munster semi-final clash was that Cork went so close to winning in spite of the fact that they were missing Donal Óg Cusack, Diarmuid O’Sullivan and Seán Óg Ó hAilpín through suspension. It begs the obvious question whether Waterford can be as effective against what is close to being the strongest available Cork side (other than Niall McCarthy being unfit).

It would be naive to suggest that it will all boil down to the performance of the Waterford attack, for instance to how effective Dan Shanahan will be after his magnificent Munster final.

The reality is that he, or John Mullane, could repeat the act, but what is fairly certain is that none of their forwards can expect to be given the type of room that Shanahan in particular was able to make for himself late in the game against Limerick.

Essentially, there is precious little between the teams, with Waterford a team on a steady upward slope — Cork having already been there and trying to get back up. There is a more settled look about their full-back line, their half-backs have enjoyed almost legendary status (until the night of the Tipperary game) and it's doubtful if any midfield pairing in the game can match the capacity of Jerry O’Connor and Tom Kenny to defend so ably and complement the forwards so consistently. The only negative has been up-and-down form in attack.

In Waterford’s favour, there is a greater stability about their team, that they have strength in depth throughout the field and in players like Ken McGrath, Eoin Kelly, Michael Walsh and Seamus

Prendergast, they have natural leaders of outstanding ability.

This Cork team won’t die easily, but I feel that Waterford’s steely resolve will help them through.

Verdict: Waterford