Under siege, Davy proves his tack ain’t dead yet

Fitzgerald has felt increasingly under siege since returning here. Plenty of that harsh analysis has been justified. He inherited an immensely talented unit. There was never any doubt they could and should have been better.

HARDLY ABLE TO STAND: Waterford manager Davy Fitzgerald celebrates at the final whistle. Pic: ©INPHO/Ken Sutton

As the national anthem rose to its crescendo in a packed Walsh Park, Davy Fitzgerald lifted up the golden necklace he had been clasping for the duration of the melody and kissed it. This was a decisive day for his side. He evidently knew it.

At the final whistle, he collapsed to his knees with his head in his hands. Peter Queally extended a celebratory arm, before gently coaxing him back to his feet. They now have two weeks to prepare for a clash with former manager Liam Cahill and his native county: “I don’t even want to think about Tipperary now,” Fitzgerald said outside an elated dressing room post-match. “I’m hardly able to stand up as it is.”