Connors says Déise have no grudge or needle with Banner

John Mullane may believe it’s going to get ‘toxic’ in Thurles but Noel Connors has rubbished the idea of bad blood between Waterford and Clare.

Retired ace Mullane famously celebrated in front of opposing Clare manager Davy Fitzgerald after Waterford’s win in last year’s championship encounter, admitting afterwards that he regretted it.

While Mullane won’t be involved in their rematch this Sunday, he claimed this week that an edge still exists between the teams, particularly rival managers Michael Ryan and Fitzgerald who ‘don’t see eye to eye’.

Clare legend Fitzgerald, of course, managed Waterford for a relatively successful spell before leaving to take over his native county and being succeeded by Ryan.

Déise defender Connors dismissed the notion of any grudge or needle between the counties though, claiming last year’s events were over hyped.

“I think last year was something that was blown out of proportion,” said Connors. “I think both teams are going out and concentrating on winning the match. There can be a lot of sideshows. Davy is one of them because he’s our ex-manager. People will naturally be talking about that.

“But I think once you go out over the line in Thurles, you can’t really be thinking about any of that stuff.

“It’s something you can’t control.”

Connors admitted Fitzgerald has his critics in Waterford but claims they should respect his achievements during a four year spell, most notably in taking the county to the 2008 All-Ireland final.

“People might say that people in Waterford don’t like Davy but I don’t agree with that,” continued Connors.

“A lot of people have respect for Davy in Waterford. He brought us to four All-Ireland semi-finals, an All-Ireland final and a Munster title.

“So I don’t think people can be negative towards him from those stats alone.”

As for Waterford’s ability to generate scores and rally themselves in the absence of talisman Mullane, Connors accepted it is a blow but believes they have enough talented players with genuine leadership skills to cope.

“There are fellas on the panel that can fill the void that John left,” maintained Connors, available again after torn ankle ligaments. Obviously John was a fantastic hurler and he owes nothing to Waterford.”