'You need to be playing': Manager's trust crucial for All-Star Stephen Bennett 

Stephen Bennett of Waterford scores a point under pressure from Gearoid McInerney of Galway during an Allianz League game last year. All-Star Bennett has been ever-present for the last two years for the Déise. Picture: Seb Daly

Stephen Bennett, the GAA's 1,500th All-Star, has attributed his coming of age with Waterford to a clean bill of health, some fortune and a vote of confidence from management.

The 25-year-old was top scorer in the 2020 Championship with 1-54 and along with colleagues Tadgh de Burca and Jamie Barron was personally honoured with an All-Star.