GLORY DÉISE HERE AGAIN

GLORY DAYS by Bruce Springsteen rang around Walsh Park as Waterford fans invaded the pitch to celebrate an eight-point win over All-Ireland champions Clare.

- By TOMÁS MCCARTHY

The Banner arrived without 2013 Hurler of the Year Tony Kelly and the Déise capitalised.

Man of the match Stephen Bennett inspired the home team to only their fourth ever win in the Munster round robin.

The 2020 All Star marked his 100th appearance for the county with a tremendous 2-8 (2-4 in the second half).

That's now 40 goals and 554 points in white and blue for the Ballysaggart attacker.

“That's something I'll look back on in a few years,” Bennett remarked. “I'm just delighted with the two points. I would have sat out on the bench if we could have won two points today. We've been so nearly there all the time.

“We need to just go away and get another win. Get out of the group, get to a Munster final or get to the All-Ireland series. We're fed up of being finished hurling in May.”

Waterford manager Peter Queally hailed the two-goal hero afterwards.

“Funnily enough, I would have said Stephen has had better games! He was quiet in the first half but he had a brilliant second half. Looking back on the analysis last year, Stevie was very injury affected.