Cyril Farrell and Derek McGrath believe that the Waterford hurlers will get out of Munster this year.
The Déise face defending All Ireland champions Limerick on Sunday in the first round of the provincial competition. "I actually see Waterford being ahead at half time," McGrath told WLR's Lár Na Páirce show. "I think they're going to come with absolute everything they have and discommode Limerick. I think you might see some of the backs turning up in the forward line for the puckout. I think you'll see a more obvious mix in terms of the approach. But, ultimately, you would have to think that Limerick will find a way to win. It pains me to say it when you've been involved with the players."
He feels that Davy Fitzgerald's side will pick up wins against Cork and Clare. "My opinion would be that Waterford are going to play really well and give us some hope for the summer and give us that template that will see us going to Páirc Uí Chaoimh the following Sunday with real optimism. I think we can pick up the four points that perhaps will do us between the Cork and Clare matches."
Farrell thinks that Limerick and Galway will contest the All Ireland final. "Limerick are going to be hot favourites. Galway would be hoping to win a Leinster title and meet them in a final. Galway would have the physical strength of Limerick. The last few times they've met, Limerick have won but going down the home stretch, it was tight enough. The final to me will be between Limerick and Galway. My head would be saying Limerick but my heart would be saying Galway!"
Cyril Farrell
Munster: Limerick, Clare, Waterford
Leinster: Galway, Kilkenny, Wexford
All Ireland Champions: Limerick
Derek McGrath
Munster: Limerick, Clare, Waterford
Leinster: Galway, Kilkenny, Dublin
All Ireland Champions: Limerick
Listen back to the Lár Na Páirce Hurling Championship Special.
