NEW WATERFORD MANAGER Derek McGrath last night sympathised with former county star Peter Queally – who he pipped to the post to land the Déise post.
Queally, a Munster SHC medallist in 2002, was viewed as the favourite to succeed Michael Ryan as Waterford boss, having guided Passage to an historic county SHC success recently.
But McGrath impressed county board chiefs and former players James Murray and Stephen Frampton, who were also members of the selection sub-committee, during the course of his interview for the position last week.
McGrath said: “It’s very exciting I have to say. I’m conscious as well of the whole situation with regards to Peter and his family. I’d like to acknowledge that- I was ready to deal with the fact that I wouldn’t get it as well and that’s the nature of it.
“Tom said about continuing the good work that Michael Ryan has done already, we need to think of Peter and the outstanding Waterford man he is and his achievements with Passage this year as well. I’d like to acknowledge that as well.”
McGrath admitted satisfaction with the make-up of his backroom team – which includes 2007 Hurler of the Year Dan Shanahan.
And McGrath believes that Shanahan has a vital role to play because of his vast experience as a player.
McGrath explained: “It’s no secret that I would have been a fella that only flirted with the (senior) panel – I was on it in 96, 97 and 98.
Dan brings the wealth of experience that’s needed from a top class player. He brings that balance in terms of a players that’s been there and done it all.
“There have been only two hurlers of the year ever in Waterford – Tony in 1998 and Dan in 2007. The significance of that is huge from a player point of view. The mentoring process – that’s huge, Dan’s involvement would be huge in that regard.”
