Waterford minor hurling manager James O'Connor was proud of their second half performance against Tipperary on Thursday night despite going down by five points in the end.
The Déise trailed by thirteen at one stage but got back within three, thanks to goals from Shane Power and Gearoid O'Shea, and could have snatched victory. "We went in at half time four goals down. We came out in the second half and totally dominated. Brought it back to three points and at one stage, we looked set to win it. Just ran out of legs near the end. Lads had to put in such an effort to claw back four goals, which is a massive ask for any minor. Look, I'm very proud. The biggest thing for me is that we proved here this evening that we are a good minor team. We've an exceptionally young team here. Fourteen of this panel are underage again next year. I've taken a lot out of today, I'll be honest with you. Of course, we're gutted, we're disappointed but we're looking forward to two weeks' time."
After back to back Munster championship defeats, Waterford entertain Cork at Fraher Field on Thursday, April 25. O'Connor wants to see another strong home support. "It's a must. I'd urge every single real Waterford supporter to come out and support these lads. These are the future of our senior team in five or six years' time. We need to get behind them and show them what it's like. I could hear people roaring and the hairs stood up on the back of my neck. I'm sure it was giving these lads more energy out on the field; we need more of that."
