John Mullane popped up on the radio from Thurles on Sunday evening, giddy after Waterford’s victory and clearly convinced they’re going to go all the way this year. Not only that, he predicted, they’ll “tear up Croke Park” when they get there.
Bold words, and one wonders what Mullane’s brother in law — a certain Derek McGrath — would have made of them. Best not to be scaring the horses just yet. Still, Mullane’s excitement was understandable. This wasn’t simply a win for Waterford, it was a statement. The list of potential All Ireland champions may not be a long one but they’re firmly on it.
Sometimes a victory can carry ifs and buts and caveats and asterisks. This was not one of those victories.