Davy says Déise deferral of football games vindicated

DAVY FITZGERALD believes Waterford County Board’s decision to call off a round of senior football championship games has been vindicated.

Three players picked up injuries in the county’s senior hurling club championship at the weekend and were forced to sit out training this week. Shane O’Sullivan (knee), Stephen O’Keeffe (hamstring) and Gavin Crotty (hamstring) took no part but Fitzgerald is hoping they will be fit for the Munster final against Tipperary.

Wayne Hutchinson — who will definitely miss the game after breaking a bone in his hand during a club championship game with Ballygunner last Sunday, could be joined by three others who picked up knocks with their clubs.

“The session itself on Tuesday night was a right cracker with everyone going flat out, and we were really delighted at the way things went,” manager Davy Fitzgerald said yesterday.

“However we didn’t risk involving Shane, Stephen, or Gavin, nor did we last night but long term, we expect all three to be fully fit for the big day on July 10.”

Fitzgerald and the hurlers had been heavily criticised in several quarters around the county for getting the games called off but the former Clare goalkeeper said the weekend’s hurling games highlighted the serious risk factor involved.

“Our focus is now solely on preparing for this clash of champions on July 10 and it is not unreasonable to expect that we are given every possible chance of going into it without serious injury problems,” Fitzgerald said.

Asked if he believes Waterford can do what no Déise hurling team has ever done before by winning back-to-back Munster championships, Fitzgerald quipped “everything in our set up is about believing”.

“Tipp will be the raging favourites alright, but it’s what takes place between those white lines that will determine who takes he glory in Páirc Uí Chaoimh.

“We will, believe me, be ready to do battle on the day.”