'We want to play an attacking, aggressive style': Stephen Molumphy appointed Waterford hurling boss

NEW BOSS: Stephen Molumphy has been appointed the new Waterford hurling manager on a three-year term. Pic: INPHO/Lorraine O'Sullivan

New Waterford hurling manager Stephen Molumphy wants the county to play an “attacking, aggressive style” in 2026.

Molumphy was unveiled as the new Déise boss for a three-year term on Wednesday, and in his first interview upon taking the reins, he said next year will not be a transitional or rebuilding season, but a continuation of what is already there.

Molumphy’s task will be to secure a first-ever top three finish for Waterford in the Munster round-robin. The county has failed to achieve such during the seven previous editions of the provincial round-robin.

“What we want to see is a team with a huge work ethic, accountability, excellent decision-making, but we want to play an attacking style of hurling. That's key. An attacking, aggressive style of hurling, but also one that's tactically disciplined,” said Molumphy.

“So we're looking forward to getting out, taking the field, imposing ourselves on the game-plan, but also giving our supporters something to watch that when people come, they like the Waterford style of hurling.

“We’ll have a style that's going to be innovative to us. You can't just copy Limerick or copy other teams. We have different strengths according to other teams, so we play to our strengths. We play the style of hurling that suits us - an open, attacking [style].

“We already have it designed. We look forward to basically putting it in practice and looking forward to showing everyone in the League and Championship what we can do.” The former Waterford selector, under Liam Cahill, and former Wexford coach, under Davy Fitzgerald, believes the current Déise crop is “1% or 2% away” from taking the step the county has failed to take since the inception of the Munster round-robin in 2018.

“I don't see it as a transition year. We have quality players, we have experienced players, we have excellent youth coming in, so we're not rebuilding from day one, we're just continuing what we have and enhancing that.

“I'm delighted to have the opportunity to work with so many excellent players, fresh blood coming in, and I'm just looking forward to getting out on the field.

“We're ambitious in regards of hurling commitments, and I suppose I've mentioned already about where we see ourselves. We have excellent players and we just need to go and reach the later stages, and those players will find out all about the ambitions that we have, but we're looking forward to it and looking forward to getting started.”

A Lieutenant Colonel in the Defence Forces, the Ballyduff Upper man returned from a posting in Brussels this month where as part of his role he travelled regularly to war-torn Ukraine.

In 2024, Molumphy stepped down as Kerry manager after three years to take up the assignment with the EUMAM (EU Military Assistance Mission). That Kingdom stint included two Joe McDonagh Cup final appearances.

During his Déise playing days, Molumphy won an All-Star in 2007 and captained Waterford to their last Munster title in 2010.