Mullane offers apology to Waterford fans

John Mullane's immediate thoughts were with the Waterford supporters when he was interviewed after yesterday's 21-point hammering by Tipperary.

The Déise's hopes of retaining the Munster SHC title were crushed by a goal-hungry Tipperary team at Páirc Uí Chaoimh.

And while his endeavour could not be questioned, 2010 All-Star Mullane cut a peripheral figure on the back of a poor supply of ball.

Speaking to RTÉ Sport, he said: "I'd like to personally apologise and on behalf of the team to the all the people of Waterford who travelled to Cork today.

"We've been down this road before three years ago (in the All-Ireland final). At least, unlike 2008, we’ve only got two weeks to think about this, and move on.

"Words can’t describe the feeling in the dressing room. Tipperary were absolute class."

Mullane and his team-mates have a fortnight to recover from their provincial disappointment.

They face a crunch All-Ireland quarter-final against a Galway side that has strung together wins over Clare and Cork.

Meanwhile, Waterford manager Davy Fitzgerald was already turning his attention to that match when giving his reaction afterwards.

"We are better than that and I know that. It's just back to the drawing board again on certain things," he said.

"I'd like to remind people that we have had more good days than bad days in the last three years.

"The last two teams Tipp have played they have beaten them by around 10 points as well. We were up in the 20s today and if they get a run on you in top gear it would be tough for anyone."