'We're there on absolute merit' - McGrath
July 25, 2016
A kiss on the cheek for Jamie Barron from his manager Derek McGrath after Waterford's Munster SHC semi-final victory over Clare at Semple Stadium, Thurles.
©INPHO/Lorraine O'Sullivan.
Derek McGrath says his Waterford side deserve their All-Ireland SHC semi-final slot after yesterday's win over Wexford.
The Deise men bounced back from their Munster final mauling at the hands of Tipperary earlier this month by scoring a 10-point win against the Slayneysiders to set-up a showdown with Kilkenny at Croke Park for the second consecutive summer.
"We were disconsolate after the Munster final - it was evident in our body language. I looked back at it, and our body language with 15 minutes to go was extremely negative on the line," McGrath told the Irish Examiner afterwards.
"Coming out afterwards to face the cameras, it was even more harrowing viewing, but you're managing your own county, these fellas are playing for their own county. There's a feeling there. It felt horrible, horrible to the lads, but a bit of perspective is needed too. I don't think Waterford have been to consecutive All-Ireland semi-finals in six years, so we need to stand back at times.
"We're there and we're there on absolute merit. We've a massive challenge ahead of us because Kilkenny have dominated every team so far, but I'm telling you, we're there, and we're there to take on Kilkenny."
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