Waterford learning lessons along the way

When Waterford’s senior hurling management visited the Kilkenny dressing-room last Sunday they came away with a fresh appreciation for their opponents, and their physical presence in particular.

Back in the blue and white corner they had a teenage starter who only collected his leaving certificate results this week, Shane Bennett, tipping the scales at just over 11 stone.

The Cats had sprung Shane Prendergast from the bench to start instead of Jackie Tyrrell: Prendergast is a seasoned 29-year-old, over six feet tall and close to 15 stone.