Mullane says Déise must target more underage success

Retired Waterford hurler John Mullane says the Déise need to park their Liam MacCarthy aspirations for the immediate future, focusing instead on delivering further underage success.

Waterford ended a 65-year wait for All-Ireland minor honours when sweeping aside Galway’s challenge in the September decider and Mullane stressed the importance of adding an U21 crown in the next year or two. Waterford last hoisted the Cross of Cashel Cup in 1992 – their sole final victory at this grade— and Mullane says it’s imperative the county’s younger players are given centre-stage, akin to the hugely successful Clare model.

“I suppose there is going to be an awful lot of hype there next year on the back of the minor success. For Waterford what I would like to see happen is try to target an U21 success,” he said.