Peter Queally cut a frustrated figure after Waterford’s heartbreaking Munster SHC defeat to Cork, insisting two black cards proved decisive in a game his side “never gave up on.”

Waterford pushed Cork all the way despite losing key players to injury and disciplinary setbacks, but Queally admitted the second black card, arriving late in the contest, was the turning point.

“It had a huge bearing on the game,” he said afterwards.

“We recovered really well from the first one. The lads dug in, Billy saved the penalty, and that gave us a huge lift. I actually think we won those 10 minutes by a point.

“But the second one, with 10 minutes to go and the score level, they get the goal from it, and they’re a man up. That was a huge turning point for us and detrimental in the end.”

Despite the setbacks, Queally praised the spirit and honesty of his players, who continued to create chances right to the final whistle.

“Even with 14 men, Peter Hogan had a very good chance, and Patrick Collins made an excellent save. I can’t fault the lads for the effort again today. They’ve been outstanding.”

The Waterford boss was particularly frustrated by what he feels is a recurring trend of crucial decisions going against his side.

“It doesn’t feel like they go against us — they do go against us,” he said candidly.

“Let’s call a spade a spade here. I’m here saying the same thing whenever it comes to these calls, be it black cards or whatever it is. Again, they went against us today twice.”

Waterford’s injury concerns also mounted during the contest, with Stephen Bennett forced off after suffering both hamstring and knee issues.

“He’ll have to go for a scan,” Queally revealed.

“He did his hamstring in the first half and played on with it. Then he jarred his knee just before half-time. It’s probably not looking good, to be honest.”

The Déise also lost defenders Iain Kenny and Iarlaith Daly to hamstring injuries, while Mark Fitzgerald could now miss the clash with Limerick due to suspension.

“We’re down our full-back already, and now maybe Mark as well. We’re running out of full-backs at this stage,” Queally said.

Although disappointed, the Waterford manager insisted his side will continue fighting for a place later in the summer.

“We’ll be licking our wounds for the next day or two, but these fellas don’t give in,” he said.

“They want to hurl for the summer. If we still have an opportunity by winning next Sunday, we’ll be going for it.”

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