Unsurprisingly, Derek McGrath was in great form after Waterford's win over Cork yesterday. 

Recalling the Deise's last appearance in an All-Ireland final nine years ago when they suffered a heavy defeat to Kilkenny, the witty Waterford manager told the packed Croke Park media room: "My wife went to the banquet in the Burlington. She was John Mullane's sister so we had a kind of a connection there... she still is (his sister)!

"She's still my wife as well by the way!"

The schoolteacher also made reference to the light-hearted RTE pre-final programme 'Up For The Match', and how it will feature a new tune this year.

"It's going to be brilliant. The general theme in Waterford is that we have suffered in general. We needed a lift.

"The town and the county needed some sort of uplifting surge in terms of their pursuit of the Cath Lab or things that are central to Waterford people's emotions. This will give everybody a pep in their step.

"It's a mixture of elation, relief and anticipation now at this stage of what's to come," he said.

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