WATERFORD LOOKING TO PUSH THEIR CREDENTIALS

PAUDIE Fitzgerald feels the devastation of recent Waterford campaigns will fuel their efforts to escape the Munster round-robin for the first time.

- By STEPHEN BARRY

The Deise haven't managed to make the provincial top three in six attempts, despite reaching an All-Ireland final during the 2020 Covid championship.

It's been especially galling in recent years. On three occasions, Waterford got off to a winning start but failed to add to that tally across the subsequent rounds.

“It's really tough,” said 23-year-old Kilrossanty forward Fitzgerald.

“Especially the last few years in a row, we've won our first group game in Munster, and you're looking very positive into the year ahead, and then a couple of results go against you.

“They're devastating days. But look, it gives us more hope coming into next year again.