WATERFORD
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Thursday February 18 2010
Date: Sunday, 21 March, at 2.30pm
Venue: Walsh Park
Manager: Davy Fitzgerald
Key Player: Eoin Kelly Rising Star: Maurice Shanahan
Last Championship Meeting: 2007 SHC Quarter Final Replay, Cork 0-20 Waterford 2-17 (Croke Park)
Last NHL Meeting: 2009 NHL Division 1, Cork 3-15 Waterford 2-22 (Páirc Uí Chaoimh) 2009 NHL Form: Fifth in Division 1: Won three, Lost four
Analysis: After their crushing defeat in the All-Ireland Final of 2008 at the hands of Kilkenny, many thought it was the end of the road for this Waterford side. They proved last year, however, that there is life in the auld dog yet.
The likes of John Mullane and the talismanic Ken McGrath are still around and lots of this particular bunch are staring into the last chance saloon. It will be interesting to see if stalwart Tony Browne will play a part in their league push, but he will probably be primed for the Championship.
In young Maurice Shanahan (younger brother of Dan) they have a real gem and with the experience around him he will only get better through the league campaign.
Shanahan's emergence means Eoin Kelly will probably line out at midfield as he did in The Déise's Waterford Crystal Cup triumph over UCC, where his inspirational play may be seen to better effect.
Expect Waterford to be well driven under Davy Fitzgerald. He will no doubt be craving a place in the top two, though they will probably come up short in this aspiration.
Verdict: Likely to compete well, but unlikely to earn place in top two. Will probably finish fifth once again.
