Brendan Cummins and Stephen Molumphy favourites for Waterford job

The Premier County legend stepped down as Tipperary U20 boss on Monday night. 

Brendan Cummins who has decided to step down as Tipperary U20 boss after five years in charge. Pic: Ray McManus/Sportsfile

Brendan Cummins and Stephen Molumphy are considered the frontrunners to become the next Waterford senior hurling manager.

Cummins stepped down as Tipperary’s U20 manager on Monday night, fuelling speculation he could emulate Liam Cahill and move from his native county to the Déise.

In September 2019, Cahill finished up as U20 boss and was appointed Waterford senior manager five days later. It is expected current Tipperary minor manager James Woodlock will step up a level and replace Cummins.

The Ballybacon-Grange man informed the Tipperary County Board on Monday and the news of his departure was broken by The Irish Times. In his five seasons at the helm, he led the county to last year’s All-Ireland U20 crown as well as two Munster titles.

“It has been an honour to work with so many wonderful players over the last five years,” said Cummins. “There was a nice symmetry with winning the All-Ireland last year as manager as it was the 30th anniversary from when I won an All-Ireland U21 as a player.

“There is so much potential within this group of players and it has been a privilege to be involved with them, but I think the time is right to hand the baton on. I have been very fortunate to have great people with me on the management team during my time in charge and I’d also like to thank the county board for their support over the five years.” 

Cummins’ coach and selector Fintan O’Connor previously coached Waterford during Derek McGrath’s time in charge.

Former Waterford captain Molumphy, who succeeded O’Connor as Kerry manager, returns to Ireland this month having spent the last two years in a post in Brussels and Ukraine as part of his lieutenant colonel in the Defence Forces.

It remains to be seen if Donal O’Rourke, who came on board as Waterford coach with Peter Queally this past campaign, remains part of the new management panel.

McGrath’s name as well as Declan Ruth’s continue to be linked with the vacancy left by Keith Rossiter in Wexford. McGrath will be hoping to bring Doon to a second successive Limerick SHC title later this year, while former Wexford defender Ruth has impressed with Rathnure in recent times.

One of the most decorated managers not currently in a role, Davy Fitzgerald guided Waterford and Wexford to their last provincial titles in 2010 and ’19 respectively, but it is understood he is taking time out from management.