Waterford go from paupers to princes

So it is true: style and substance can go hand-in-hand. 

Waterford’s victory yesterday was a most potent complement. Creating close to 40 scoring chances, they debunked all defensive theories about them to win their first Division 1 title since 2007.

But that doesn’t go far enough to emphasise just how momentous a success this was. In outthinking and outplaying Cork, they became the first team from Division 1B to belie their standing. It also served as much as a resounding endorsement of Derek McGrath’s management as the pitchfork and torch mob threatened to close in on him after his difficult debut season last year.