Déise presenting united front
“Don’t tell me that we haven’t the necessary firepower to end that 51-year famine since our last All-Ireland final victory in 1959 because I know in my heart of hearts that we have.
“Above all, however, they need to prepare and go into battle with a wholly united camp. From here on, it must a case of everyone wanting to be there for everyone else, and I am supremely confident that there will be no unnecessary distractions of any kind that might throw us off course in our quest for long overdue All-Ireland glory.”
Reflecting on the achievements of the past year, Cunningham described the Munster senior hurling title as being claimed “pretty much against the odds”.
However, with Davy Fitzgerald leading from the front in his role as manager, along with the input from his excellent backroom team, and most of all the players, Waterford established a setup capable of beating the best that Munster had to offer, including Cork after a replay.
Referring to the economic downturn and the growing threat of emigration for many players at both club and inter-county level, the chairman disclosed that structures he put in place earlier this year to try and address the problem are proving to be successful.
“Under the chairmanship of former hurling star Fergal Hartley who heads up his own jobs recruitment agency (Hartley People), a committee that we have put in place to try and help find employment for players has been doing tremendous work in that regard,” said Cunningham.
“As a consequence of a meeting with the Gaelic Players Association (GPA) last summer at their behest, the scheme we have put in place is now being used by the GPA as a role model for other counties to take on board.
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