Today at 4 pm in Azzurri Walsh Park, Waterford take on Tipperary in what promises to be a huge Munster Championship clash. We’ll have live coverage with Kieran O’Connor and Andy Maloney, along with full build-up from 3:30, thanks to George Corbett Motors ŠKODA.

As I woke this morning, my mind drifted back to the glory days — Waterford’s first Munster title since 1963 back in 2002, Mullane’s hat-trick against Cork in 2003, and the greatest Munster final of all time in 2004 when Waterford beat Cork 3-16 to 1-21. Who could forget Dan Shanahan running riot against Limerick in the 2007 Munster final, finishing with 3-3.

Since the round-robin system has been introduced, can we say we’ve had many glory days? The honest answer is no. But it does feel like something is building in Waterford — and it might only take a day like today to send this county in the right direction.

Our All-Ireland winning minor team showed there is a bright future ahead, with outstanding talent coming through.

But today is what matters.

When Liam Cahill brings his Tipperary side to a very familiar hunting ground, the big question is this — will Tipp arrive under pressure, or will they play their open, expansive brand of hurling?

Many pundits and journalists are giving Tipperary the nod. They are the reigning All-Ireland champions, and the talk is they’ll have too much class for Waterford.

That’s what the pundits say. But not this one!

I genuinely feel this Waterford team is just a spark away from something special — the start of what could be a famous Munster campaign for Peter Queally and his players.

Look at the bench — it could be the difference today.

Conor Keane is a tidy, tenacious corner-back who can step in if needed. Tadhg de Búrca, a former Young Hurler of the Year and All-Star, brings composure and class to the half-back line. Peter Hogan and Seán Mackey offer pace and power around the middle third.

Then you have the powerhouse Michael Kiely — a real physical presence and goal threat. And of course, Austin Gleeson — former Hurler of the Year, a generational talent capable of turning any game.

Kevin Mahony of Ballygunner is one of my favourite club hurlers in Waterford — aggressive, intelligent, and a nightmare for defenders. And you can never discount Paddy Curran, a man who knows how to deliver in big moments.

As for the starting 15, there’s been plenty of debate around captain Mark Fitzgerald, especially with Conor Prunty unavailable through injury.

Every hurling person in the country wants to see Fitzgerald at number 6 — and I agree. For me, he’s a natural centre-back. As John Mullane said this week, he’s the Ken McGrath of his generation. He can dominate a game when he drives forward, and he’s well capable of chipping in with scores.

Peter Queally does have options, though, with Iarlaith Daly back and capable of slotting in at full-back. It’ll be interesting to see how Waterford set up — we could see positional switches like Calum Lyons moving back to the half-back line and Jack Fagan pushing up to the half-forward line.

One thing is certain — Waterford must tighten up defensively.

If Fitzgerald moves to 6 and Daly to 3, that could be a big step in the right direction.

Up front, more is needed from the middle third and half-forward line. Stephen Bennett can’t carry the scoring burden alone.

And if I know Peter Queally, his message will be simple — when you wear a Waterford jersey, work rate and heart are non-negotiable. It’s about the group — from 1 to 35 — all pulling in the same direction.

If Waterford can get quality ball into Seán Walsh, who is becoming a key figure, and if Dessie Hutchinson, Jamie Barron, Jack Prendergast and the middle eight can contribute on the scoreboard, then with the home crowd behind them…

This pundit is speaking from both head and heart — and both are pointing towards a Waterford win.

Match Details – We’ll have live coverage with Kieran O’Connor and Andy Maloney, along with full build-up from 3:30, thanks to George Corbett Motors ŠKODA.

Fixture: Waterford vs Tipperary
Competition: Munster Senior Hurling Championship 2026
Throw-in: 4:00 pm
Venue: Azzurri Walsh Park
Referee: Chris Mooney

Our Big Match is brought to you by  George Corbett Motors SKODA

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