THE BOND BETWEEN Waterford senior hurling boss Derek McGrath and captain Kevin Moran is as tight as they come.
The pair are teachers at De La Salle College and after McGrath masterminded last month’s Allianz Hurling League final victory over Cork, it was left to Moran to collect the silverware.
Tomorrow, Waterford face the Rebels again in an eagerly-anticipated Munster SHC semi-final at Semple Stadium.
And while Cork will feel that forearmed is forewarned following that sobering ten-point League final loss, skipper Moran is confident that McGrath will have a trick or two up his sleeve.
“He comes up with different things at different times that you’re taken aback by.
“And they seem to work more often than not.
“It’s great when these things are thrown at you.
“It makes you sit back, don’t take anything for granted, and he’s an exceptional man, yeah.”
Not content with gaining promotion from Division 1B, Waterford kicked on for League glory and are now viewed as genuine championship dark horses.
And McGrath’s decision to perform open heart surgery on his squad after the 2014 season has been vindicated.
Liam Lawlor was dropped after the 2014 championship. Cathal Noonan / INPHO
Cathal Noonan / INPHO / INPHO
Liam Lawlor, Jamie Nagle, Richie Foley and Ray Barry were dropped, players Moran would still hold in high regard.
“Yeah, definitely. I’d be very good friends with two or three of the guys.
“It was difficult, a change in the dressing room and things like that but I still would still consider them very good friends. Great lads to have worked with over the years.”
Moran and Waterford moved on quickly and the 28-year-old is one of just four survivors who played during the 2010 Munster championship winning campaign.
“You’re not going to question anybody, this is hopefully for the better of the team.
“It didn’t take too much adjusting, it was just a different environment for a couple of training sessions and, all of a sudden, new guys in, new jobs to do so it was fine.”
Derek McGrath masterminded county senior hurling glory for De La Salle in 2012. James Crombie / INPHO
James Crombie / INPHO / INPHO
In the workplace, Moran insists that hurling talk isn’t high on the agenda when he crosses paths with McGrath.
“It’s a huge school so we mightn’t bump into each other too often during the day.
“I’d be like that and I’m sure he is as well.
“Everything that you’re doing outside of school is in some way related to hurling so when you’re in school it’s nice just to take a back step and think about other things, talk about things other than hurling.”
'He's an exceptional man' - High praise for Waterford boss from Déise captain
THE BOND BETWEEN Waterford senior hurling boss Derek McGrath and captain Kevin Moran is as tight as they come.
The pair are teachers at De La Salle College and after McGrath masterminded last month’s Allianz Hurling League final victory over Cork, it was left to Moran to collect the silverware.
Tomorrow, Waterford face the Rebels again in an eagerly-anticipated Munster SHC semi-final at Semple Stadium.
And while Cork will feel that forearmed is forewarned following that sobering ten-point League final loss, skipper Moran is confident that McGrath will have a trick or two up his sleeve.
On Mother’s Day, 15 March, McGrath urged his players to perform well for their Mammies.
Waterford duly demolished visitors Antrim by 4-30 to 0-10.
Moran smiled: “He’s good at that now, in fairness, very good at giving you a reason why you’re doing this.
“I suppose his core principle is just work rate and not getting uptight.
“Just work hard and you won’t get nervous, if that’s your priority.
“He’s just constantly thinking the whole time.
“He comes up with different things at different times that you’re taken aback by.
“And they seem to work more often than not.
“It’s great when these things are thrown at you.
Not content with gaining promotion from Division 1B, Waterford kicked on for League glory and are now viewed as genuine championship dark horses.
And McGrath’s decision to perform open heart surgery on his squad after the 2014 season has been vindicated.
Liam Lawlor, Jamie Nagle, Richie Foley and Ray Barry were dropped, players Moran would still hold in high regard.
“Yeah, definitely. I’d be very good friends with two or three of the guys.
“It was difficult, a change in the dressing room and things like that but I still would still consider them very good friends. Great lads to have worked with over the years.”
Moran and Waterford moved on quickly and the 28-year-old is one of just four survivors who played during the 2010 Munster championship winning campaign.
“You’re not going to question anybody, this is hopefully for the better of the team.
“It didn’t take too much adjusting, it was just a different environment for a couple of training sessions and, all of a sudden, new guys in, new jobs to do so it was fine.”
In the workplace, Moran insists that hurling talk isn’t high on the agenda when he crosses paths with McGrath.
“It’s a huge school so we mightn’t bump into each other too often during the day.
“I’d be like that and I’m sure he is as well.
“Everything that you’re doing outside of school is in some way related to hurling so when you’re in school it’s nice just to take a back step and think about other things, talk about things other than hurling.”
Originally published at 09.30
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After the ‘shame’ of last year’s Munster loss against Cork, Waterford’s hurlers want to atone
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Allianz Hurling Leagues Munster SHC De La Salle derek mcgrath Kevin Moran Master McGrath Cork Waterford