Waterford opened their 2026 Masters campaign with an exciting 3-10 to 2-9 victory over Laois in glorious sunshine at Gaultier GAA Grounds in Ballymabin, Dunmore East.

A dramatic late goal from Martin Whelan ultimately proved the difference between two evenly matched sides in an entertaining contest played at a very high standard.

The visitors made a brighter start and surged into an early lead of 1-3 to 0-1 after the opening 15 minutes, with Waterford’s first score coming from Keith Bell.

Despite trailing, Waterford began to dominate possession around the middle third and gradually worked themselves back into the game. Several scoring opportunities came and went for the Déise, but strong finishing towards the end of the half ensured they went into the break just a point behind at 1-6 to 1-5.

One of the key features of the Masters Championship is the use of rolling substitutions, and Waterford’s sizeable panel allowed them to rotate consistently throughout the second half.

That strength in depth eventually began to tell as Laois tired in the closing stages.

Waterford edged three points in front entering the final minutes before Laois responded dramatically with a late goal and point to reclaim the advantage.

However, the hosts showed tremendous character to hit back immediately.

A turnover deep inside the Waterford defence sparked a sweeping move upfield, which ended with Martin Whelan calmly finding the net to hand Waterford a deserved victory.

It marked a strong start to the campaign for the Déise, particularly considering they suffered a seven-point defeat in the corresponding fixture last season.

Several players impressed for Waterford on the day, with evergreen Thomas O’Gorman, Gearóid O’Connor, and Mark Prendergast all producing standout displays.

New panellists Martin Whelan and Joey Veale also made significant contributions, combining for 1-4 between them.

Waterford will now turn their attention to their next outing — an away trip to face Limerick in Oola on Saturday, May 23rd.

Waterford also thanked referee Shane O’Neill of Tipperary, Gaultier GAA, for hosting the fixture and Laois for what was described as a highly sporting encounter.

Waterford Panel: Ray Hennessy (Kill), Billy Dumbrell (Gaultier), Jim Halley (Fenor), Conor O Byrne (Roanmore) Patrick Lynch (Capt) (Ballinacourty), Mark Prendergast (Kilrossanty), Robin Croke (Gaultier), Thomas O Gorman (The Nire), Tony Whelan (Tramore) Wayne Hennessy (0.2) (Ardmore), Gearoid O Connor (1.1) (Gaultier), Keith Bell (0.1) (Gaultier) Joey Veale (0.4) (Kilrossanty) Richard Finnegan (Gaultier), Denis Coffey (Sliabh gCua) Brian Power  (St Saviours), Joey Phelan (0.2) (St Saviours), Derek Jordan (Gaultier) Mark Nugent (1.0) (Dunhill), Lee Hayes (De La Salle), Alan Kelly (Shamrocks), Gavin O Rourke (Ballyduff Lower), Paul McGing (Gaultier), Michael Hackett (Fr O Neills), Martin Whelan (1.0) (Tramore) Fintan Walsh (Clashmore / Kinsalebeg) Dean Waugh (Ballyduff Lower) 

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