The Big Match on WLR with thanks to George Corbett Seat
Having stunned Tipperary to claim their first Munster Senior Football Championship win since 2010 last year, Waterford will be hoping lightning can strike twice as they make the trip to Thurles to take on the Premier in another quarter final showdown.
On a famous day last April, the Déise downed Tipp in Munster for the first time in 36 years largely thanks to Tom O’Connell. The same player is now hurling for Waterford and the sailing hasn’t been particularly smooth for either county since when it comes to the big ball.
Waterford tasted just one league win, while Tipperary lost four of their seven Division 4 encounters. Both sides are in need of a victory, for morale as much as anything else.
Tipperary have 16 new faces on the panel this year, and it’s also been a period of further transition for the visitors. Waterford manager Paul Shankey says it’s hard to look into last year’s triumph – given how much has changed for both counties since.
“We have very similar backgrounds in terms of the turnover of players. I wouldn’t read too much into last year’s game. I think historically, all the games have been quite competitive. There’s a great rivalry there along the border, from Clonmel to The Nire.
“All these guys know each other, some of them went to school and college together, so there’s a great local tradition there. Traditionally, the games have been quite tight. But I wouldn’t read much into previous games.”
Another key difference is the rule changes – Waterford have kicked plenty of two pointers in their Division 4 campaign, and it may prove another weapon in their arsenal should push come to shove.
“Obviously with the new rules coming in, it’s a blank canvas for everyone. The good thing about that is that it’s the same for everyone. Whether you’re Kerry or Waterford, we’re all getting used to these new rules and that’s been great over the last couple of weeks”, said Shankey.
Paudie Hunt will start in goal for Waterford, while the full-back line consists of Caoimhin Walsh, Darach O’Cathasaigh and Liam Fennell.
Willie Beresford and Dermot Ryan are in the half back line, as is championship debutant Brian Everard.
Tholom Guiry partners Rory Furlong in the middle of the park, while a lively half forward line is made up of Conor Murray, Conor O’Currín and James Power.
Michael O’Brien, Jason Curry and Alan Dunwoody complete the forward line.
WLR will bring you the game LIVE thanks to George Corbett Seat – join Tomás McCarthy and Liam Ó Lonáin from 5.45pm.
