Waterford's senior stars were amongst those to pay tribute to manager Derek McGrath last night following the De La Salle man's decision to step down after five years at the helm in the Deise County.

The 42-year-old released a heartfelt letter of resignation yesterday evening and several in the GAA world took to Twitter to praise him for his work with the team over the past half a decade.

Hats off to Derek McGrath for the terrific job he has done with Waterford over the past 5 years. A real passionate and knowledgable guy. The way he reacted, publicly, to the goal against Tipperary this year was a testament to his character!#waterfordgaa

- Seánie Tobin (@Tellytobin) June 19, 2018

Derek left Waterford in a lot better place than when he got them, loved how he never made excuses when they lost and won with dignity, all round classy guy and should be very proud. https://t.co/OhpRcrmFvf

- Jackie Tyrrell (@MrJackieTee) June 19, 2018

Pure class. https://t.co/Mv8ClniuYH

- Conor.mortimer (@Conmort) June 18, 2018

He has put his life and soul into his panel of players over the last 5 years for his place @WaterfordGAA. What a leader he has been for his men. https://t.co/U47dJKIOBU

- Henry Shefflin (@ShefflinHenry) June 18, 2018

A Top manager and a modest man https://t.co/lGbeIZ2fDw

- DonalOGrada (@dodgie133) June 18, 2018

More than a manager.... Thank you Mac

- Noel Connors (@NoelieConnors) June 18, 2018

I'm absolutely gutted that Derek McGrath who has done so much for this county, myself on a personal level and anyone who has dealt with him is stepping away!! The amount of work he has put in that nobody realises is incredible! He will sorely missed by this whole team!! #GachLá!!

- AussieGleeson (@AussieGleeson) June 18, 2018

Normally wouldn't tweet something this but needs to be said how unbelievable Derek was. Did more for us as hurlers and men than anyone will ever know. Gach rud gach lá

- Brian O Halloran (@brianoh91) June 18, 2018

Best wishes to our own Derek McGrath as he steps down as Waterford Manager.
Everyone at De La Salle GAA Club is so proud of what he has achieved in the role and wish him every success for the future.

- De La Salle GAA (@DeLaSalleGAA1) June 19, 2018

Best wishes to Derek McGrath. Gave his all over last 5 years for the Deise. https://t.co/tcgnLTs6YC

- Joe Dooley (@DooleyJoe) June 18, 2018

A small few thoughts on simply a brilliant man. Derek McGrath and @WaterfordGAA parted ways tonight but even though Liam McCarthy never made it to the Déise under his reign, we're all better people having shared the journey. Go raibh maith agat. Gach Rud, Gach Lá. pic.twitter.com/WjEzlJEfkZ

- Tomás Rua Ó Cadhla (@tomas_rua) June 18, 2018

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