Déise youngsters looking to take historic final step

TOMORROW semi-final represents unchartered waters for this generation of Waterford youngsters as they partake in the county’s first All-Ireland MHC semi-final in 17 years.

Last month’s historic Munster final triumph over Tipperary has propelled the Déise to this stage and there’s some neat symmetry in the fact that it is Galway they face, the county that denied them success at the All-Ireland final stage back in 1992. After suffering an opening round defeat against Clare in the Munster championship, Waterford have recovered marvellously. The proved their goalscoring abilities in subsequent wins over Limerick and Clare, while they produced a stirring display against Tipperary in the Munster final.

Centre-back Philip Mahony, who also featured for the county U21 side in the Munster final, is a defensive gem, while midfielder Mark O’Neill was wonderful against Tipperary in racking up a 0-10 haul. In attack the onus will be on Brian O’Halloran, Jake Dillon and Ian Galgey to deliver.

Galway, under the stewardship of Mattie Murphy, are keenly intent on progressing to the September showpiece against Kilkenny and avenging last year’s final defeat against the Cats. They looked hugely impressive in destroying Antrim in the quarter-final and the team is stronger for this game, with Donal Fox having recovered from injury to take his place at full-back. Fergal Flannery is a solid goalkeeper while full-back Daithí Burke is another key operator.

Their attack looks to be Galway’s real trump card. Brian Flaherty, Niall Burke and Richie Cummins are in storming form of late, and are capable of wreaking havoc here. The experience of featuring at this stage last year can stand to Galway and they get the vote to deliver.

Verdict: Galway

GALWAY MH: F Flannery; J Coen, D Burke, C Burke; J Brehony, D Fox, J Cooney; J Regan, D Glennon; B Flaherty, N Burke, J Grealish; R Cummins, R Badger, S Moloney.

WATERFORD MH: S O’Keeffe; L Egan, T Costello, M Wyse; J Dee, Philip Mahony, D Fives; F Murray, M O’Neill; Paudie Mahony, B O’Halloran, R Cahill; P Prendergast, J Dillon, I Galgey.