Déise’s young guns learn a lesson from Cronin

Sunday in Croke Park will be a proud day for those associated with Blackwater Community School in Lismore, Waterford.

As well as having five members of the Waterford minor panel (Shane Bennett, Cian Leamy, Colm Roche, Michael Kearney and David Prendergast) currently attending the school, another Déise player, Stephen Bennett, completed the Leaving Cert there in June. On top of that, Cork senior captain Pa Cronin teaches woodwork and technical drawing there, and principal Denis Ring admits there is a “great buzz” around the corridors.

“It’s a big deal, particularly with the lads still in school. As well, we had five of the Waterford U16 camogie side which lost to Cork in the All-Ireland final recently and seven of the Waterford senior panel would have attended the school. It’s good to be getting that kind of recognition, but it must be said that East Cork and West Waterford are good hurling areas.”