Meet the brothers hoping to help Waterford overcome the Cats in Croker

The Portroe man led his native county to All-Ireland glory in 2010, stopping Kilkenny’s five-in-a-row bid, before stepping down due to his demanding bank job.

Waterford manager Derek McGrath has overseen his team’s progress with some satisfaction this term but is aware that tomorrow’s game represents the ultimate test of character and skill.

Richie Hogan is the latest injury scare for Kilkenny ahead of Sunday’s All-Ireland semi-final.

Among those in the running for the Offaly job are current Limerick camogie manager Joe Quaid, Eamonn Kelly, who recently stepped down as Kerry manager after a hugely progressive spell in charge, and Danny Owens, a double All-Ireland victor with Offaly who has guided Kilcormac/Killoughey to the last three county titles and an All-Ireland club final appearance in 2013. This has the added benefit of giving their forwards extra space.

“I honestly think that Waterford have the capacity to stretch Kilkenny but they may not quite have their experience”, pointed out McManus.

Instead the Kilkenny defenders will hold their positions and if given enough freedom will punish Waterford with long range points and there is a possibility that Kilkenny will push up on Waterford sweeper Tadhg de Burca thus reducing his influence.

Kilkenny are already without Jackie Tyrrell for the game following a recent operation after suffering a stress fracture of the foot.

Waterford missed a great chance of beating Kilkenny in their last championship encounter in the All-Ireland qualifiers in 2013 – they lost in extra time.