Free-taking responsibility helps laidback Bennett turn a corner

You might be wondering when Pauric Mahony, arguably the best in the business with the exception of Patrick Horgan, will return to free-taking duties for Waterford. It may be a case of if, not when, Páraic Fanning gives him the nod again.

Eight games as free-taker (six in the Allianz League and two in the Munster) have seen Stephen Bennett amass 5-94, 2-76 from frees and one 65. Next to flawless, the least he has scored in a game was the 10 points he posted when Waterford faced Galway in Walsh Park at the second time of asking last Sunday week. It’s a responsibility that has fallen into the 23-year-old’s lap but he has seized it with both hands.