What a difference a year makes!

This time 12 months ago, John Mullane was urging Waterford to agree to play the Munster SHC final against Tipperary in Thurles. The final was duly fixed for Semple Stadium, but a comment made by Brendan Maher after Tipp's win about the importance of having home advantage has convinced Mullane that this year's provincial decider between the same two teams should be played at a neutral venue.

Writing in the Irish Independent today, the former Deise star stated: "First things first. Next month's Munster hurling final will be played in Limerick. It makes sense from a Waterford point of view to bring the game to the Gaelic Grounds.

"As much as Waterford are comfortable playing in Thurles, and have had many great days there, I remember Tipperary captain Brendan Maher speaking after last year's Munster final and stating that there was no way they were going to lose the game on home soil.

"With very little to choose between both counties, it will come down to fine margins and Waterford won't want to give Tipperary any initiative whatsoever.

"The Gaelic Grounds might not be a venue that many Waterford fans like travelling to, but when we last beat Tipp in a Munster final, in 2002, it took us hours and hours to get home from Cork. It was well worth it though, and if the result goes our way on July 10, we won't feel the journey home."

The Munster CCC is due to decide on the venue this week.

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