The Deise minor hurling team begin their campaign this evening when they host Tipperary in the Munster Championship first round at Fraher Field.
Waterford boss Shane Ahearne has named a strong side for the competitive curtain-raiser against the Premier, which gets underway from 7pm.
Waterford Minor Hurling Team to play Tipperary on Tuesday has been named⬇️
Best of luck to all of the panel and management team!#deiseabú ⚪? pic.twitter.com/9r6OOSwDZ1
— Waterford GAA (@WaterfordGAA) April 3, 2022
Speaking to WLR Sport, Ahearne says they have played plenty of challenge matches as part of their preparations.
"We spent the month of February playing challenge matches. We played Meath, Kildare, Dublin, Wexford, Offaly, Kilkenny and Galway - the preparations have been very good."
Five starters in Conor Keane, Aaron O'Neill, Billy O'Connell, Jack Twomey and Peter Cummins lined out in last year's provincial final loss at the hands of eventual All-Ireland champions, Cork. Three more players from last year's contingent also make the extended panel, and Ahearne is glad to have those players back on board.
"Sometimes, it's a false fact in that last year is different than this year. While it's a nice start, some players can be working harder when they're trying to get on the team - and players can change. I don't read too much into it but it was a good start for us to have eight players off last year's squad."
The Waterford minor manager is expecting a tough test from Tipperary, and is taking nothing for granted.
"I do remember a conversation that I had last year with the U-16 manager above in Tipperary. I knew I had eight on the minor panel that I didn't get to see, and I asked him how many he had and he had 17, so - I think last year they were aiming for this year. They would have won the equivalent Tony Forristal tournament three years ago. It's a strong Tipperary coming down to meet us in Dungarvan."
Throw-in in Fraher Field is at 7pm and we'll have updates throughout the evening here on WLR thanks to Tomas McCarthy.
