Waterford are set to be without both Kieran and Shane Bennett next season, their father has confirmed.
The Ballysaggart pair's father, Pat Bennett guided Wexford club Ferns to their first ever county hurling title yesterday with a win over St. Martin's in the decider.
Speaking to the Irish Independent afterward, he confirmed that two of his sons are set to depart for Australia in the months to come - and they will be unavailable to new manager Davy Fitzgerald as a result.
Kieran Bennett will depart for Down Under in the coming days while his brother Shane is set to follow his footsteps in January.
Pat Bennett said he's really looking forward to what returning manager Davy Fitzgerald will bring to the county.
“I’m delighted – as a supporter, I’m delighted. He’s a proven winner. He’s got a CV better than anybody. My lads are really excited – even though there’s two of them going to Australia, so it will be only Stephen left. I think the players in Waterford are over the moon and delighted he’s coming in. Like, he’s going to bring them to a new level so they’re really looking forward to it.”
Bennett was coy on whether or not he will be involved in Davy Fitzgerald's backroom team but admitted that the pair do have a great friendship.
"Ah, he’s been talking to me and he’s looking at Waterford matches today. He was going to come here to watch this, and then he got the job so he’s down in Waterford watching those games. Davy is unbelievable to me, like. I can pick up the phone and talk to Davy and ask him what have I got to do, what about this? And he’s brilliant to me, absolutely superb.”
Stephen Bennett will remain available for selection for the Deise in 2023.
