'Success is never an accident': Civic honour for Waterford's All-Ireland winning hurlers

Waterford's All-Ireland winning minor hurlers were honoured recently with a civic reception at City Hall.

The Deise put on a masterful display in FBD Semple Stadium, Thurles on June 28 to beat Clare by 11 points and claim their first All-Ireland minor title in 12 years in front of 16,411 travelling fans. 

The victorious squad, management, coaches and selectors were given a warm welcome to the council chambers by the Mayor of Waterford City and County, Cllr Mayor Seamus Ryan, other elected members and the council's management team. 

Mayor Ryan addressed his distinguished guests by recounting that memorable day in June stating "over 16,000 voices roared from the stands, the sound of Waterford passion echoing around Thurles. We witnessed not only skill and bravery but a unity and resilience which carried this team to victory". 

The Mayor paid tribute to the monumental achievement of the Crystal County's minor winners saying "to the players you have etched your names into Waterford's proud sporting story. You have given every young hurler in this county something to dream about, and every supporter a day they'll never forget".

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"To the coaches, selectors and support staff...your commitment and leadership made this possible. Success is never an accident, it comes from planning, persistence and faith in the journey". 

The Mayor concluded his address adding "you have done your clubs and your county proud, and today's civic reception is a mark of how deeply we value your achievement". 

Manager James O'Connor thanked the Mayor and elected members for the invitation for a civic reception to acknowledge the team's sporting achievement. He also paid tribute to the parents, the County Board, the management team and the players as he wished them all the best for the future. 

James Comerford also spoke of the incredible honour for him as team captain to be afforded a civil reception. He said "for those on the outside looking in, this journey began on March 28 at Semple Stadium, exactly three months before our dreams became a reality. In actual fact the journey began three and a half years ago. 

James continued "since lifting the All-Ireland trophy three months ago, its been an unforgettable summer for all of us. We've had the privilege of bringing the cup back to our clubs and our parishes and meeting younger players, who I hope have the dream of wearing the Waterford jersey themselves". 

The captain concluded "everywhere we've gone the pride of the people reminds us just what this win means, not just to us, but to Waterford as a whole. This All-Ireland title belongs to all of Waterford...every coach, every club, every parent, every supporter who've played their part in our journey".