WATERFORD MAY HAVE been up against Tipperary on the pitch in yesterday’s Allianz hurling league semi-final but that didn’t stop the Deise squad and their manager Derek McGrath from thinking of one of the opposition players.
The Tipperary county board revealed last week that Noel McGrath had been diagnosed with testicular cancer and the 24 year-old underwent surgery last Friday.
Waterford won yesterday’s clash at Nowlan Park between the counties but manager McGrath revealed afterwards how they had wished the 2010 All-Ireland senior winner well in his recovery.
“Look, I should say also to put it into perspective in terms of matches…we passed on a mass bouquet (prayer card) to Eamon in terms of Noel McGrath and hoping he’ll get better.
“I rang him (McGrath) during the week and was talking to him.
“My own son loves Noel McGrath – he’s his favourite hurler so when you compare how joyous we are here with the battle he has ahead of him, perspective will be poured on everything.”
– First published 18.14
Great article Emma
I watched that “Ultimate Goal” series on BT Sport. At the end, the coaches picked Hayley as squad Captain, saying she stood out clearly. What a star from little ol’ Johnstown. Everyone is very proud of our local hero.