Molumphy hails new kids on block

A COUPLE of weeks ago, Waterford’s Stephen Molumphy looked around in training and started counting. By the time he was done, he figured he was the third oldest player there.

“I turned 27 last month so you can imagine how I felt,” laughed last year’s captain. “Only a couple of years ago I was the new kid on the block and now I’m the opposite. Desperate stuff.”

Admittedly, some of the old guard had yet to come back to training at that time but Molumphy’s point is well made, especially as Waterford are struggling with injuries to their more experienced players. Whether Waterford supporters like it or not, the young bloods will be getting their chance in the early Division 1 rounds.

“I think we have something like over 20 players under the age of 23,” said Molumphy. “They’re lads for the future and there’s no better man to give players chances than Davy. If you go out and put in a performance, he’ll keep you in that starting jersey.

Molumphy knows mistakes will be made. Patience is required but his greener teammates aren’t lacking in confidence.

“The great thing about Waterford hurling is that young fellas are expecting to win.

They had success at under-age level and want more. We didn’t have that before but these lads have Munster medals.

The likes of Kilkenny, Tipperary and Cork have always had that but it makes some change for us.”

Despite winning the Waterford Crystal trophy final against Cork last weekend, Waterford’s preparations for the Allianz League have been low-key.

Dare it be said, it’s easy to forget they are Munster champions, given the enormous shadow Kilkenny and Tipperary now cast over the inter-county hurling scene. “When you’ve been written off so many times it goes over your head. As long as your winning cups and trophies, that’s all that matters.

“We were disappointed with what happened against Tipperary in the semi-final. We never got out of the blocks and it was strange because two weeks before it we had one of our best ever training sessions.

“The Munster title is something to look back on with optimism but it’s getting that next step further that matters.”

Meanwhile Waterford boss Fitzgerald has included two sets of brothers in his side to face Dublin in tomorrow’s clash at Walsh Park. Darragh and Shane Fives from junior club Tourin form the right flank in defence while the Mahony brothers of Ballygunner also make the starting line up. UCC student Philip (20) is midfield partner to clubmate and first cousin Shane O’Sullivan, and younger brother Paraic who captained the county minors last year makes his league debut at left half forward.

WATERFORD (SH v Dublin): C Hennessy; D Fives, J Maher, N Connors; S Fives, M Walsh, J Nagle; S O’Sullivan, Philip Mahony; S Molumphy (c), R Foley, Paraic Mahony; S Casey, S Prendergast, T Ryan.