Meyler looks to the future

FOR John Meyler, this was more than just winning the All-Ireland Intermediate title. There was the bonus of the potential for a number of the players to move up to the next level of his senior squad.

Feeling that it was still “a good year” despite the losses to Kilkenny in the League and championship, Meyler was upbeat after his team’s narrow but deserved win over Waterford.

“What we were trying to get out of today was two or three players for next year’s senior team. That will be important. A few players stood up to the plate today — like Brian Malone.

“We were delighted with them,” he commented.

Meanwhile, the dual commitment hadn’t been too difficult, he said.

“Six or seven of the players were with us with the senior team. All it needed was to balance those with the fellows who were coming in. And they had all played championship.”

The Waterford manager Michael Walsh (brother of former All-star Mossie), conceded that Wexford were “probably better on the day”.

Other than losing Mike Molumphy through injury, his only disappointment was that he felt his team didn’t play to their potential.

“Wexford missed a few scores in the second half which might have pushed them out a little bit, but for all that we were sticking in there well. I suppose the goal was the turning point. We had just gone two points ahead and we needed another one or two. But, they got the goal and it turned the momentum in their favour. In fairness, I think they deserved it, even though there wasn’t much in it.

“There was a little bit of tension there as well — it was an All-Ireland final — but, I wouldn’t fault our lads in terms of effort. I was proud of them. We were a little bit unlucky with injury too. Mike Molumphy broke his hand in the first half and wasn’t able to continue. He was capable of winning a bit of ball and that made a bit of difference to us.

“We’ll keep trying, there are still a lot of good hurlers there. There’s a good effort being made in Waterford. We improved as we went on, but maybe we didn’t do ourselves justice, but that happens. That’s sport.”