Molumphy: Déise can bounce back

IT has to go down as one of the major disappointments in an All-Ireland final. For over a decade, since their return to the big stage in 1998 when they reached the Munster decider under Gerald McCarthy, Déise hurling fans were anticipating the appearance of a multi-talented Waterford side in the ultimate round of the championship.

Many times they had come close, only to fall at the semi-final hurdle. By last year even their own supporters were beginning to despair of ever reaching the promised land – Croke Park on the first Sunday in September.

And then, out of the wildest and deepest blue, it happened. Well beaten by unsung Clare in their opening championship match of 2008 the Waterford players staged a rebellion which saw to it that long-time manager Justin McCarthy was replaced by emerging young gun, Davy Fitzgerald.