Queally hits out at hurling championship format, will consider Waterford future

Waterford hurling manager Peter Queally on his future: “I'll have to go away and think about it. I had a two-year term.". Pic: ©INPHO/James Lawlor

Peter Queally dismissed the “keyboard warriors” as he hit out at a championship structure that sees just six teams hurl beyond May.

Waterford’s nine-point defeat to Limerick means they are eliminated at the round-robin stage for the seventh successive season under the new format.

“I'm blue in the face from saying it,” said Déise boss Queally. “I said it this time last year and, of course, the keyboard warriors had a field day saying it's your own fault for not coming out.

“But the reality is the sun hasn't even started shining yet and we're putting away our hurleys. We won't be allowed to train together collectively until probably early December.

“We're missing out on this seven months while the top six teams in Ireland are going to start the All-Ireland Championship in three or four weeks and going to get two months of hurling in. We're missing out on this big time.

“If you look at all the codes, you look at camogie, you look at ladies football, you look at the Gaelic senior football, they have their provincial championships and in two weeks' time, they start their All-Ireland championships.

“There's only six teams contesting the All-Ireland Hurling Championship this year again. Something has to be done about it.

“I feel sorry for the Wexfords and the Tipperarys that are also putting away their hurleys. They're in the same boat as us and I don't think it's right.” 

He added: “We're trying our absolute best to bridge that gap, but our hands are tied now for the next two months.

“What it would do for young Waterford supporters to be hurling for the next two months and to see the Dessie Hutchinsons and the Mark Fitzgeralds and all their heroes hurling for the next two months.

“Unfortunately, they're probably going to be watching the soccer World Cup instead.” 

Queally felt Waterford were in hard luck that Limerick’s second goal was allowed to stand despite Aidan O’Connor dropping his hurley to handpass to Gearóid Hegarty.

“Our eyes don't lie and I didn't see a replay. I saw it first-hand and so did a lot of people here. Unfortunately, the man that counts the most didn't see it. We just have to get on with it again.

“I do feel we would have come back if we hadn't conceded a second goal so quickly after the first one.

“James Owens had an outstanding match, up to 60 minutes, as most of our fellas did. I don't think he had the best last 10 minutes ever.” 

Queally revealed that star forward Stephen Bennett has avoided a cruciate ligament injury, but will be out for “three or four months”.

The manager left “so proud” of his side, crediting former Cork coach Donal O’Rourke for improving their hurling.

“I just hope they stick together now,” said Queally. “They're going in the right direction. We're not far off the best teams. If we keep knocking on the door, eventually it will open for us.” 

On his own future, Queally said: “I'll have to go away and think about it. I had a two-year term. I'll have to talk to my family, talk to the County Board, and see what's best for Waterford going forward.”