Paul Shankey will start his tenure as Waterford football boss at home to Clare in the McGrath Cup on Sunday. The match gets underway at 2 o'clock in Leamybrien.
The All Ireland winner with Meath has introduced a host of new players to the squad over the past two months. Gaultier pair Billy O'Keeffe and Sean Cullinane, Caolan Mac Craith and Conor Mac Diarmada from An Rinn, Willie Beresford and Conor McCarthy of Ballinacourty, Kilrossanty duo Caoimhin Walsh and Alan Dunwoody, Robbie McGrath (Ballinameela) and Sliabh gCua's Jason Sheehan are among those that Shankey has brought on board.
It has been a busy couple of months for the Portlaw clubman since he was appointed in November. "We started off on November 25. We had great feedback after reaching out to all the clubs. Lots of good sessions and a few challenge matches. It's been a bit of whirlwind, it's flown by, the six weeks. The group are really looking forward to our first competitive match."
The new Waterford manager must plan without Conor Murray, Brian Looby, Brian Lynch, Darach Ó Cathasaigh and Eoghan McGrath Butler for 2024. The Currys from county champions Rathgormack (Michael, Jason and Stephen) are back on board however while Stradbally defender Liam Fennell will captain the team during the McGrath Cup.
Shankey has added Conor Prendergast (Cappoquin/Affane) and Olan Casey (Brickey Rangers) to his backroom team over the winter.
Hear more from Paul Shankey on Lár Na Páirce from 6.10 this evening.
