Expect Déise to see off stiff challenge from buzzing Shannonsiders

THE first outing for the champions, and a tasty one it is for Waterford. They’re ready though — in fact if ever a team was ready to take a step up, it’s this Waterford outfit.

Look through the side Davy Fitzgerald and his management team have selected — two newcomers in the full-back line, Darragh Fives and Wayne Hutchinson, to slot in alongside another youngster, All Star Noel Connors, behind a hugely experienced half-back line of Tony Browne (aged 37, still flying), Micheál ‘Brick’ Walsh and man-mountain Kevin Moran. You’ll earn your corn against that lot.

Then you look at the firepower available to Waterford; Mullane, Foley, goal-scoring Walsh, the O’Sullivans, Mahony, a new Shanahan on the block, and Duracell Molumphy. Strong, fit, and fine hurlers all, trained and coached to nth degree — these guys are ready to step up a level.