"They're a very special bunch of players" - O'Connor hails Waterford minor stars

Waterford manager James O’Connor said words could not describe the feeling after his side triumphed to the All-Ireland minor hurling championship title yesterday evening in Thurles.

The Deise lads put in a complete performance on the biggest stage to defeat Clare by 1-18 to 0-10 at Semple Stadium, where ace attacker Cormac Spain contributed 0-11, to claim their county’s first Irish Press Cup success since 2013.

Speaking to WLR Sport after his team’s historic victory, O’Connor hailed his group by describing them as “a very special bunch of players”.

"There's no words to describe it. That was an unbelievable performance, an unbelievable feeling," he said.

“I don't really have to say it, all I have to do is just look out there, out in the middle of that field at the Waterford support. Grown men, grown women crying. Sure, Jesus - it's as good as you're ever going to see.

“For me, it's brilliant. It's a dream come true. A lot of hard work over the years finally pays off. That's what any manager, that's what any coach wants - it's great to do the work and you get recognised for it, but you must bring home the silverware. At last we brought it."

The Deise boss added: "Timing is everything, isn't it? I'd love to be able to tell you that I planned all of this, but I didn't. I'll be honest about it. This was the team growing game after game. Finally, we've seen over the last two games what they're capable of.

“They're a very special bunch of players. They are a bunch of players that will have to be looked after over the next three to four years, and developed and brought forward again for senior level. The future is bright for Waterford, and as a Waterford man, I'm so delighted."