It may not have been a classic game of gung-ho attacking hurling, but as the saying goes, you cut your cloth to fit your measure and both Wexford and Waterford play the game in a manner that suits them best.
Davy Fitzgerald took aim at criticism of his perceived negative tactics, and he was dead right to. Wexford hurling is on an upward curve, they had a great year by the banks of the Slaney and Davy’s tactics are necessary for them to compete at this level.
They weren’t far off, and but for some rash decision making, they matched this experienced Waterford side. Wexford are a very young team, epitomised by the vigour and exuberance of 18-year-old Rory O’Connor, and Wexford supporters need to be patient and back this progressive outfit.
Derek McGrath’s Waterford are better equipped to challenge at the top level without a sweeper, but in reality, do they have the attacking depth that Tipperary and Galway have? It’s harsh to judge them like-so.
After the game, both managers took aim at criticism of such judgements.
Davy came out fighting like he always does, and he and Derek remained loyal to the sweeper’s union.
“The people need to wake up. If they want the same one or two teams to play hurling and be successful, that’s fine. Myself and Derek [McGrath] are trying to bring teams to the fore that haven’t been to the fore in a long time. I’m very strong about this.
“The job Derek McGrath has done and the stick he has taken is totally unwarranted. What he has done for Waterford and bringing them back to the top is incredible and I am backing him 110 per cent,” said Fitzgerald.
Indeed, even during the game, Davy wasn’t prepared to listen to his detractors.
Davy going strimming hedges after the game pic.twitter.com/ItaWHEgukP
— Niall McIntyre (@NiallMcintyre) July 23, 2017
He was to become uneasy in the stand, and with his venture down to the sideline, he left some famous faces behind him.
Former Taoiseach Enda Kenny was soaking it all in, and like Davy was just blocking out the haters.
With the game reaching it’s business end, Enda was throwing the shackles off, giving his sunglsses to wife Fionnuala.
Labour leader Brendan Howlin was rocking one of the most patriotic ties of all time.
Michael Ryan was doing a bit of spying, with a potential semi-final looming against Waterford, subject to Monday morning’s draw which takes place at 08:35.
Noel Connors has certainly been eating his vegetables in the build-up to the game.
Ryan Giggs would be proud of that chest.
Maurice Shanahan outdone them all, however, not with his typically effective substitute cameo in which he racked up two crucial points, but the farmers tan to beat all others.
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