Seamus Prendergast says the friendships and memories made from sport are something that can never be taken away.
The former Waterford stalwart sat down with Gavin Whelan as part of "The Sporting Life" Series on WLR.
"I've friends all over the country, you'd meet players and you have that respect that out on the field everybody gives their all and you have to have that respect, and when you get off it, you get out and have the chat, it's all about friendship in sport and enjoying it really"
The legendary Ardmore clubman won four Munster senior hurling championship titles with the Déise in his inter-county career (2002, 2004, 2007, and 2010).
But 2002 will always hold a special place in the hearts of Waterford people as Justin McCarthy's side won their first Provincial title since 1963, beating All-Ireland champions Tipperary by 2-22 to 3-12 in Pairc Uí Chaoimh.
Seamus, who was only after joining the senior set-up in 2000, got on the scoresheet that day as Waterford powered their way to victory. He says it's a day he'll always remember.
The 2004 Munster Final is described as one of the greatest ever games of hurling to be played - a baking hot day at a packed Semple Stadium in Thurles, Waterford, and Cork going at it hell for leather. Waterford were reduced to 14 men early in the 2nd-half following John Mullane's dismissal but the Déise raised their game considerably and went on to win an absolute classic with Prendergast firing the winning point into the town end where there was a sea of blue and white.
2007 was another action-packed season and it started off in fine style as Waterford defeated Kilkenny to lift the Allianz League title in Thurles. Seamus got some crucial scores that day as Michael 'Brick' Walsh hoisted the trophy in front of a vocal Déise support.
Waterford were collecting more silverware that summer as Limerick were defeated in the Munster Final; Dan Shanahan with a hat-trick (the final goal being put on a plate for him by Seamus) in a 3-17 to 1-14 win. After eventually overcoming Cork following two epic battles in Croke Park, three weeks in a row caught up with Waterford and Limerick gained revenge in the All-Ireland semi-final defeating the Déise and netting 5 goals in the process.
Davy Fitzgerald took over from Justin McCarthy in the summer of 2008 and Waterford reached their first All-Ireland since 1963 but it was a day to forget for the Déise as Kilkenny romped to their 3rd successive title with a facile 3-30 to 1-13 victory.
Seamus claimed another Munster medal in 2010 as Waterford overcame Cork after a replay under the Semple Stadium floodlights. "Pender" as he is also known, claimed a Railway Cup Inter-provincial medal in 2005.
Undoubtedly, his greatest day arrived on February 4th 2018 when his beloved Ardmore were crowned All-Ireland Junior Hurling Champions following an epic battle with Fethard On Sea from Wexford. Seamus had a remarkable campaign that season and he was instrumental in bringing glory for the seasiders. He collected the man of the match award in Croke Park that famous afternoon, while his brother Declan climbed the steps of the Hogan Stand to lift the trophy.
"Tis a highlight, ask any player, to win with your club is bigger probably that you'll ever achieve with your county team, it's nice to do well with your county but where it all starts and finishes at home in your club and your community, and that's where you'll probably give it back for the rest of your life when your a GAA person, and that's what I intend to do as well"
Seamus is still going strong with Ardmore, even though they lost their Senior football and Intermediate hurling status last season, no doubt a big effort will be made this season in an effort to turn fortunes around. He is putting a lot of work in at underage level as well within the club.
You can hear from Seamus Prendergast on Monday evening from 6:10 pm on WLR.
