Injury crisis and sending off were key

A third straight loss and the concession of 13-53 in the process cost Waterford a place among the chosen sextet for 2015.

“We felt that we were control up until the sending off,” manager Derek McGrath maintained afterwards. Shane O’Sullivan’s red arrived at an inappropriate time with Waterford firing on all cylinders.

“We were able to lock up shop easier when we were here three weeks ago. Given the drying conditions and things hardening up, it was a harder to maintain a siege mentality. Dublin used their spare men very well. We are very proud of our lads in terms of the effort and application. They just went to the end and we are hopeful going forward for May 25."