History repeats as Waterford’s new journey begins

Seventeen years now they’ve been on the block and around it. Seventeen years since Waterford re-emerged as an inter-county force. Modern Waterford hurling began in the 1998 league final and the parallels with tomorrow are irresistible.

It was themselves and Cork in Semple Stadium. Waterford, who had emerged from Division 1B, were in their second year under their then manager. The man who’ll be on the sideline for Cork tomorrow was the man on the sideline for them that day too. The man who’ll be on the sideline for Waterford tomorrow was 21 years of age and sitting on the bench, wearing number 23 — punishment, he surmises wryly, for missing “an absolute sitter” in the semi-final win over Limerick.

That’s hurling for you. The same group of counties, the same set of reference points, the same narratives repeated ad infinitum. A historical echo chamber. Most of the time, it’s a drawback. Every now and then, like this weekend, it’s kind of endearing.