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.