IT’S BEEN AN encouraging twelve months for Waterford but Austin Gleeson concedes they now need to build on their progressive season by standing up and delivering for the county in 2016.
Derek McGrath’s emerging side demonstrated their promise throughout a campaign which saw them win promotion from Division One B, lift the league title and then reach the Munster final and All-Ireland semi-final.
There were signs of encouragement throughout and Gleeson admits the mood in the county has turned on its head as preparations begin in earnest for next year’s season.
“It’s more upbeat around Waterford whereas 12 months ago everybody’s head was down,” the 20-year-old said at Croke Park yesterday.
“Now everybody is hoping and praying we develop from this year for next year and see where it takes us. People are optimistic about Waterford again. The buzz is starting to come back.
“Talking to people on the street, they’re saying it’s starting to come around again.”
Gleeson has quickly developed into one of the stars, and key components, of the side and his performances were rewarded with a nomination for an All Star award.
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The 20-year-old scored three points in the semi-final defeat to Kilkenny at Croke Park and Gleeson admits it was that game which highlighted the areas Waterford need to work and improve on throughout the winter.
Gleeson signs autographs for fans at yesterday's Centra event at Croke Park. SPORTSFILE
SPORTSFILE
“Kilkenny were the better team,” he recalls. “It was the physicality of them compared to us was massive. There were times in the game it was boys against men, even around the middle of the field, the hits you were taking, it was unbelievable.
“I remember in the first half Michael Fennelly hit me and it took me two or three minutes to even get over that hit – because he’s a big man.
“I know that most of the team are back in the gym already. That day against Kilkenny really showed that we need a lot of work in the gym because they were just massive compared to some of us.”
Although the Mount Sion clubman still looks back on the 1-21 to 0-18 defeat with a tinge of regret, it was a game which served as a revealing exercise – for both the players and supporters.
Waterford were back on the big stage at GAA HQ and fought tooth and nail with Kilkenny until eventually running out of steam in the final quarter.
And Glesson believes if he and his team-mates can put their head down and develop further over the off-season, Waterford will be lifting silverware before long.
“The first year I was on the panel, we didn’t really do anything, to be honest,” he continued.
“Then to turn around 12 months later and be League champions, be in a Munster final and an All-Ireland semi-final against the All-Ireland champions, it was a massive stepping stone for us and we just have to develop on from it again next year and see where it takes us.
Gleeson alongside Henry Shefflin. SPORTSFILE
SPORTSFILE
“We’ve more to give, I think, because we’re a young team and we’ve a few young players coming through again from underage.
“If we all put our heads down and do the training, no messing around then a year could make a massive difference. Hopefully we’ll be playing against Kilkenny again and beating them this time.”
Over 650 children travelled to Croke Park today for a very special day out as part of Centra’s Live Well initiative. Young hurlers from 16 different clubs had the once in a lifetime chance to experience the ultimate behind the scenes day out with many of their hurling idols including Henry Shefflin, Seamus Hickey, and Pat Donnellan. Through their partnership with the GAA Hurling All-Ireland Senior Championship Centra has been encouraging children all over Ireland to live healthier lives encouraging them to be active and educating them on nutrition. For more information see www.centra.ie
'Fennelly hit me and it took 3 minutes to get over it' - Waterford to bulk up over winter
IT’S BEEN AN encouraging twelve months for Waterford but Austin Gleeson concedes they now need to build on their progressive season by standing up and delivering for the county in 2016.
Derek McGrath’s emerging side demonstrated their promise throughout a campaign which saw them win promotion from Division One B, lift the league title and then reach the Munster final and All-Ireland semi-final.
There were signs of encouragement throughout and Gleeson admits the mood in the county has turned on its head as preparations begin in earnest for next year’s season.
“It’s more upbeat around Waterford whereas 12 months ago everybody’s head was down,” the 20-year-old said at Croke Park yesterday.
“Talking to people on the street, they’re saying it’s starting to come around again.”
Gleeson has quickly developed into one of the stars, and key components, of the side and his performances were rewarded with a nomination for an All Star award.
The 20-year-old scored three points in the semi-final defeat to Kilkenny at Croke Park and Gleeson admits it was that game which highlighted the areas Waterford need to work and improve on throughout the winter.
“Kilkenny were the better team,” he recalls. “It was the physicality of them compared to us was massive. There were times in the game it was boys against men, even around the middle of the field, the hits you were taking, it was unbelievable.
“I remember in the first half Michael Fennelly hit me and it took me two or three minutes to even get over that hit – because he’s a big man.
Although the Mount Sion clubman still looks back on the 1-21 to 0-18 defeat with a tinge of regret, it was a game which served as a revealing exercise – for both the players and supporters.
Waterford were back on the big stage at GAA HQ and fought tooth and nail with Kilkenny until eventually running out of steam in the final quarter.
And Glesson believes if he and his team-mates can put their head down and develop further over the off-season, Waterford will be lifting silverware before long.
“The first year I was on the panel, we didn’t really do anything, to be honest,” he continued.
“Then to turn around 12 months later and be League champions, be in a Munster final and an All-Ireland semi-final against the All-Ireland champions, it was a massive stepping stone for us and we just have to develop on from it again next year and see where it takes us.
“We’ve more to give, I think, because we’re a young team and we’ve a few young players coming through again from underage.
“If we all put our heads down and do the training, no messing around then a year could make a massive difference. Hopefully we’ll be playing against Kilkenny again and beating them this time.”
Over 650 children travelled to Croke Park today for a very special day out as part of Centra’s Live Well initiative. Young hurlers from 16 different clubs had the once in a lifetime chance to experience the ultimate behind the scenes day out with many of their hurling idols including Henry Shefflin, Seamus Hickey, and Pat Donnellan. Through their partnership with the GAA Hurling All-Ireland Senior Championship Centra has been encouraging children all over Ireland to live healthier lives encouraging them to be active and educating them on nutrition. For more information see www.centra.ie
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Austin Gleeson déise determination Waterford