Lyons able to turn long lay-off into positive for Déise

Waterford minor hurling boss Derek Lyons is no advocate of the Munster championship structure.

In fairness, what manager would champion a system which rewards a team for winning their first round encounter with an 11-week lay-off?

Lyons, however, welcomed the lengthy reprieve afforded to his side in the wake of their opening round victory over Clare back in April. An overcrowded sick bay added to a dozen dual players would have made for a very difficult back door trip.