Following another successful trip around the sun, the intercounty GAA season is once again upon us.

When it comes to hurling, 2023 might have been shorter than most would have hoped for but nonetheless, time heals all wounds and Davy Fiutzgerald's side have already been in action in the Munster hurling league, winning two games in the pre-season cobwebs removal effort.

Those wins over Kerry (routine) and Tipperary (less so) have booked Waterford a place in the final, with a chance at some silverware before the season properly returns.

Context is everything, however, and asked how important it was that Waterford go on and win the competition, Fitzgerald was direct in his response.

"I couldn't really care about it," he quipped before gathering himself and commending the efforts of the supporters who turned up in greater numbers than could have been expected.

The Clare man knows that these games count for little except giving a chance to the fringe players who hope to be a fixture in the Championship, but nonetheless, silverware of any type is good, even if only to have something to bind the players around.

Former Déise Captain Brian Flannery sat down with WLR Sport this week to lay the table as we get settled for 2024.