HEROES AMONG MEN
June 30th, 2002 will live long in the memories of Deise hurling supporters, as the county’s Senior hurlers finally bridged a yawning gap in their history of achievements, ending a 39 year barren spell in their quest to be crowned Munster champions.
Cork’s Justin McCarthy, in his first year managing the county, had steered Waterford past his native Rebel county in the semi-final by a single point (1-16 to 1-15) and what followed at Páirc Uí Chaoimh versus Tipperary in front of an official attendance of 40,276 on that closing Sunday in June, 21 years ago, helped by key marksmen Ken McGrath and Paul Flynn, finally secured the provincial silverware. The county had endured much heartache since their last Munster title in 1963, having lost six provincial finals in the interim. Ballygunner's Fergal Hartley captained the 2002 side to a resounding 2-23 to 3-12 victory.
Tallow’s Aisling McDonnell penned the following poem ‘Heroes Among Men’ in their honour at the time. Unfortunately, the Deise’s fortunes haven’t fared too well in 2023 under the command of Davy Fitzgerald, the team finishing bottom of the Munster Hurling Championship table on 2
It was 2002 that this all began,
A joyous occasion for every woman and man
Our players produced an outstanding display,
And throughout the whole game they kept Tipperary at bay.
Stephen Brenner in goal did everything right,
Well guarded by Feeney who put up a great fight,
With Flannery and Greene, they too paid their due, Standing firm like two giants in the white and the blue.
Eoin Murphy, a player who couldn’t have given more, Did pride to his village of sweet Knockanore.
With Hartley and Queally two men of great might, Their first touch hurling was such a dazzling sight.
The selectors stood proudly upon the sideline,
While Murray from Tallow truly did shine,
Well partnered by Browne who gave a gallant display, Of flair and of skill on that victorious day.
Eoin McCarthy and Eoin Kelly they did us all proud, Battled hard, showed courage and were adored by the crowd. Seamus Prendergast’s catching was the best ever seen,
He’s a tower of a man who’s well built and lean.
Ballygunner produced a great man in Paul Flynn, He bends, lifts and strikes, it hits the net and goes in. A free from any part of the field he can take,
This man is a genius, never makes a mistake.
Ken McGrath no doubt had the performance of the year, He urged on the lads and stepped into gear;
An All-Star worthy man full of passion and glory,
When he has the ball with him it tells its own story. points following the round robin results. On to 2024…
For the record, the teams lined out in the Munster final as follows:
Waterford - S Brenner; B Flannery, T Feeney, B Greene; E Murphy, F Hartley (capt), P Queally; T Browne 1-0, J Murray; E Kelly 0-3, P Flynn 1-6 (1-5f), S Prendergast 0-1; J Mullane 0-4, K McGrath 0-7, E McGrath 0-1. Subs: D Bennett (0-1) for Flannery (52), M White for Flynn (61), A Moloney for Prendergast (68), D Shanahan for E McGrath (68).
Tipperary - B Cummins; T Costelloe, P Maher, D Fahey, E Corcoran, D Kennedy, P Kelly; T Dunne (capt) 0-2 (1f), N Morris; B Dunne 2-2, C Gleeson 0-2, B O’Meara; E Kelly 1-4 (1-3f), J Carroll 0-1, L Corbett 0-1. Subs: E Enright for Morris (45), P Ormond for
Kennedy (55), M O’Leary for Costelloe, P O’Brien for Gleeson (62).
Referee was A MacSuibhne from Dublin.
Subsequently,
Waterford were defeated by Clare in the All-Ireland final that August, 1-16 to 1-13.