The Big Match is with thanks to George Corbett Cupra

Waterford minor hurling boss James O’Connor is no stranger to All-Ireland final day.

Twice the Lismore man has stood on the sideline on the day of all days, but twice – a puck of the ball has denied him glory in the most agonising fashion imaginable.

Should Waterford get over the line against Clare at Semple Stadium tomorrow evening, O’Connor says he’ll forgive the hurling Gods for all the previous misery they’ve inflicted.

A journey that started all the way back in 2021 reaches its climax in Thurles this Saturday – and a formidable opponent stands in the way of Waterford and a fourth Irish Press Cup.

The Deise beat Clare 1-21 to 1-15 in the Munster Championship – but the Waterford manager is adamant that counts for nothing anymore.

“That’s a good few months back now. I think on the day we won by six points – but that championship counts for nothing now. This is a completely new game altogether. Clare have improved hugely since then and I’d like to think we’ve done the same. I think both teams are very similar, very similar style as well so I think it’ll be a very good game again – but I‘ll be honest, it’s a massive task ahead.”

Why are Waterford still in the championship? Resilience counts for a lot. 1-6 without response against Clare that night in Dungarvan, purple patches that have left teams for dust – and a notable knack for overcoming adversity.

“Anytime our backs have been to the wall – we’ve come up trumps. It’s not that every game has gone perfectly for us, it hasn’t – but we’ve always turned the screw on the day and got a result out of it. It mightn’t be a 10 out of 10 performance, but we always managed to get out on top at the end so that’s a great thing. The last day – it was a tremendous effort and definitely well up on the work rate to the previous couple of outings so I was delighted with that and I just hope we’re getting the timing right here now – that everything is coming right at the end. That’s what I’m hoping.”

Getting the timing right is easier said than done – but O’Connor seems quietly confident that his side are beginning to peak when it matters most on the cusp of the minor final.

“Timing is everything – even at training, it’s not going to be 100% every second, every single night because that’s not realistic being honest with you.It’s to  build them up for a big game then ease it back down again and then just come in waves again after that. Timing is everything and knowing the pace you should be at at training and knowing the pace that you’re going to have to be at in Championship. That’s the trick.”

14 June 2025; Waterford manager James O’Connor during the Electric Ireland GAA All-Ireland Minor Championship semi-final match between Kilkenny and Waterford Chadwicks Wexford Park in Wexford. Photo by Matt Browne/Sportsfile

What do Waterford need most on Saturday? Support, and tons of it. The Deise supporters outnumbered their Kilkenny counterparts 4 to 1 at Wexford Park. That will be needed once more at Semple Stadium against the Banner.

“I hope we travel in huge numbers. I think it’s vital that we outnumber the opposition support wise, because that’s your 16th player out there. Unfortunately, we can only play 15 against 15 out on the field but if we get the crowd behind us – the lads absolutely soak it up. I’m hoping for a massive turnout.”

O’Connor has named an unchanged team for the final.

Referencing the personal heartbreaks of the past, ‘Joxer’ knows more than most what it would mean to get over the line – but says it’s important not to get caught up in the sense of occasion.

“Over the last six years, this will be my third All-Ireland. I’ve lost two unfortunately by a puck of a ball and that’s hard to take I can tell you – so I’m hoping now if we win here on Saturday, that’ll square me up with the Hurling Gods! It’s going to take a massive effort and I hope the players realise this the opportunity this is because here in Waterford, we don’t get these opportunities every year. There’s a massive massive opportunity here and it’s a case of just getting them right for the day. I hope they play the game rather than the occasion because sometimes the occasion can get the lads – not even youngsters, but even adult players. We’ll keep their feet on the ground here and do everything do get over the line – because this would be massive.”

One more sleep. Up The Deise.

The Big Match is with thanks to George Corbett Cupra

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