Stephen Bennett: Derek McGrath must stay at the helm

Waterford forward Stephen Bennett insists Derek McGrath is key to the future health of hurling in the county following their All-Ireland SHC semi-final replay loss to Kilkenny last weekend.

The Déise pushed the All-Ireland champions all the way over the course of two tight matches, drawing their first encounter at Croke Park after leading for over 40 minutes into the second-half of that game before suffering a heart-breaking two-point loss in Thurles last weekend.

Waterford boss McGrath admitted he was shattered by the loss, while the Déise manager has also been frustrated by consistent analysis surrounding his team’s tactics and, in particular, criticism of their use of a sweeper system.