1. On battling injury
“It was difficult enough the start of the year. I was probably playing too much as usual. You’d think after five years, I’d be after copping on. It was 10 or 15 minutes into the Fitzgibbon semi-final and I went to block Luke O’Farrell but whatever way I came down, I tore ankle ligaments. It was the wrong time, just at the start of the league.
“It was a small little tear, it wasn’t anything major now. I did a lot of rehab. I’ve had a lot of matches with the club and county in recent weeks. I was fit for the last two games of the league but they didn’t want me to play and risk it. It was very disheartening, especially after doing the winter training. But you have to be a small bit optimistic about it. You can’t dwell on the negatives or you’ll find it hard to get back into the right frame of mind.
2. On Stephen Daniels being out with shattered kneecap
“I was playing that day (challenge against Offaly). He went down almost straight away after the ball was thrown in. He got up and tried to walk it off but it wasn’t to be. Then I realised there was something serious. I know Stephen and he’s a tough nut, I’ve played with him for years. I knew there was something wrong with him. Unfortunately it was a lot more serious than we’d thought. But he’s resilient and he’ll bounce back.”
3. Waterford’s recent history with Davy Fitz and Clare
“I think (last year) was something that was blown out of proportion. There can be a lot of sideshows. Davy is one of them as he’s our ex-manager, people will be talking about that. People might say that people in Waterford don’t like Davy but I don’t agree with that. Lot of people have respect for Davy in Waterford. He brought us to four All-Ireland semi-finals, an All-Ireland final and a Munster title so I don’t think people can be negative towards him from those stats alone.”
4. Loss of John Mullane
“John was a fantastic hurler and he owes nothing to Waterford. It’s going to be very difficult to replace someone who was such a leader on and outside the field. For younger fellas that came on, including myself, he was always a fella who’d put an arm around the shoulder and give confidence and a bit of advice. That was fantastic. But we still have that backbone of fellas who are a few years older – the likes of Brick, Seamus Prendergast, Liam Lawlor, Shane O’Sullivan. They’re after going through the mill.”
5. Absence of Stephen Molumphy
“Stephen is an absolutely massive loss to us. I think he had one of his better years last year. He was the foundations of our team, like a rock in midfield. He was stopping everything. He’s a very good fella to have in the dressing room as well and he’s a massive loss for us. I think he’s gone for six months (abroad with the Army) and I think he went two weeks ago. Hopefully he’ll come back rejuvenated for next year.”
6. Availability of Tony Browne who turns 40 in July
“He’s like the bionic man. I don’t know how he does it to be honest. It’s unbelievable. There are so many fellas after coming and going before him. I don’t know how he does it to be perfectly honest. I think he must have had a full body transplant “It’s fantastic to have him. He’s absolutely fantastic to speak in the dressing room – he’s a real leader, very similar to John. Look, if he’s not starting on Sunday he is going to be there and pushing fellas. It’s brilliant.”
