WATERFORD WILL HAVE to plan without one of their top forwards ahead of this summer’s championship.
Tom Devine has told Derek McGrath and Dan Shanahan that he’ll spend the time travelling rather than lining out for the county.
The medical student had impressed for the Deise so far this year.
“With college and career demands looming large in the next year or two, this is essentially my last chance to travel for a summer,” he writes in a statement released after the Irish Examiner first reported the news today.
“It’s something I’ve always wanted to do but have been putting off for a few years now, and this year I simply can’t pass the opportunity to travel. The decision was not an easy one to make on my behalf.
“It has been an amazing experience for me to have been involved with such a professional, yet close-knit and supportive set up over the last four years. I’d like to personally thank the players, backroom team and especially Derek and Dan for everything they’ve done. The work put in by everyone involved is staggering and not always appreciated by those outside of the panel and backroom team.
“Derek and Dan have always had a holistic attitude towards both life and sport and have always wanted the best for us players in all aspects of life. I’m glad to be leaving with their blessing, and it’s been both a pleasure and an honour to have been involved with men of their calibre.”
Waterford face either Cork or Tipperary in a Munster SHC semi-final on 18 June.
The way leinster have been playing, ulster have to be extremely confident about winning, as a leinster fan I’m seriously worried for next Saturday.
We’ll take it from here? The Ulster reserves against Munster have ensured that the 1st team have a big billing to live upto, not least of all a number of improved personal performances. The reserves pulled off the improbable against Munster that should be inspiration to the Senior players that have not yet done the same in the last 2 finals.
I heard the same last year and the year before but when it’s time to hand out the winners medals ulster just can’t seem to manage it.
As bad as Leinster are they win still best ulster.
This is a semi. No medals collected Saturday night. We’ve won two semis in last two years. Going of form Ulster should pip this one in a tight affair. Primarily because with Jackson having an outstanding season, our halfbacks are superior in what is otherwise a fairly even contest.
Tight yes, foregone conclusion no. Who could have forecast the sending off of Tom Court and Jared Payne? The squad that travels should take confidence from the reserves that broke the bad luck streak by doing the improbable at Thomond. Confidence and a return to form will break the bogey that is Leinster in the big games.
Should be very tight, Leinster are not in great form and Ulster should have nothing to fear going to the RDS. There is a nice prize for the winner a chance of a big cup.
I’ve a sneaking feeling Ulster could win this.Last match was a tight one between these two.
What the crack with Stephen ferris?
Is he injured again?
sprained his ankle(good ankle) a few weeks ago. That’s it as far as I know
*better. Theyre both dodgy
Cheers ken it’s a real shame
Fingers crossed he gets better before the summer tours with Ireland and he gets some much needed game time