Only days after the official resumption of collective training after the winter ban, the Waterford footballers are thrust into their first competitive assignment of 2012. With an important Division 4 campaign also within touching distance, John Owens will be eager to build some early momentum.
The make up of the side is uncertain but Waterford usually seek to make strides in this competition. After defeating Tipperary last year, they lost narrowly in their semi final clash with Clare. The year previous, Kerry got a scare in Killarney before eventually scraping through by 2-12 to 3-5. After unearthing Paul Whyte’s forward talents in 2011, Owens will again look to add another one or two fresh faces to the starting fifteen. For a county like Waterford, the spring period offers a consistent run of games and in the wider scheme of things promotion from Division 4 translates into a good season.
The loss of the O’Gorman twins casts a shadow over these plans however as they look set to devote their services to the hurling set-up. Owens couldn’t hide his disappointment during the week as two of his biggest leaders and tightest man markers will no longer be available in the short term at least. It’s no exaggeration to say that Maurice and Thomas would take their place on every other team in the province. It’s also not a stretch to predict that plotting a way out the bottom tier without their presence now becomes a monumental task for the panel left behind. It’s difficult to begrudge the twins for taking the chance of linking up with the hurling squad however, an opportunity which may not come their way again.
IT Tralee won three Sigerson Cups in a row from 1997 to 1999 featuring the likes of Seamus Moynihan and Jim McGuinness. Those famous names no longer jump from the team sheet despite the presence of underage representatives from Kerry and Cork. They have languished in the Sigerson stakes in recent times and even dropped down to the Trench Cup before winning the secondary title in 2010. They will view the McGrath Cup as ideal preparation for the Sigerson which throws in on January 31. The Kerry college face up to IT Sligo in the first round and while all focus will be on that test, a run in this pre season competition will do no harm whatsoever.
While IT Tralee will have more work put in with a view to the Sigerson, they don’t have the same depth of talent that other colleges can boast in this competition. Despite the short preparation time, the home side should possess enough experience to advance to a quarter final meeting with Cork IT on January 15.
McGrath Cup Preliminary Round
Waterford v IT Tralee
Throw in 2.00 at Carriganore
Referee: Keith O'Brien (Tipperary)
Extra time if necessary
Odds: Waterford 4/7 Draw 7/1 IT Tralee 13/8
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