Waterford turn negatives to positives

With the hype, buzz, excitement and anticipation in Waterford reaching fever pitch ahead of the Deise's first appearance in an All-Ireland Senior Hurling final in 45 years, it is easy to forget how the county's hopes were severely dented earlier this summer.

June 1 was a day to forget for Waterford hurling as they slumped to a heavy defeat to Clare in the opening round of the Munster Championship, not only ending their provincial hopes for 2008 but also surrendering the Munster crown.