Waterford GAA County Board Chairman Sean Michael O'Regan has expressed his delight that Liam Cahill and Michael Bevans have decided to stay on as the Waterford senior hurling management team.
Cahill's stay was confirmed earlier today, with the Ballingarry man turning down an approach from his native county Tipperary to take the reigns in the Premier.
The 43-year-old has the option of extending for another year after the next 12 months.
O'Regan says discussions were honest and open between all parties, Tipperary GAA inclusive - and the journey that Cahill and Bevans have begun with Waterford is far from over.
"Discussions were ongoing, we were in touch with Liam and equally so with the county board in Tipperary. Good honest open discussions were had. The journey for Liam Cahill and Mikey Bevans started two years ago - and there is a sense of unfinished business. We have another bit of a journey to go."
O'Regan says Cahill's statement earlier today cements the thought process that there's still another way to go to fulfill the potential of the current panel.
"Liam's statement today cements that thought process, that we have another bit of a way to go. They're fully committed to Waterford GAA, hurling and the senior hurling panel. We're really looking forward to it. It gives a level of consistency for all of us going into the 2022 campaign. All of us are here and ready to go again."
Overall, today is a statement of intent for the future of Waterford hurling.
"There was huge will leading up to this announcement. A couple of people thought Liam might go. Everybody is happy now that Liam has committed and he's made a huge statement of intent for Waterford GAA. We as Waterford people, whether it's as supporters, county board officers, players, clubs, sponsors - everybody now needs to shoulder to the wheel with the lads and drive on. We look forward to next year."
