Waterford stick with winning formula
Waterford manager Davy Fitzgerald and his selectors have named an unchanged team for Sunday's eagerly anticipated GAA Hurling All-Ireland senior final against reigning champions Kilkenny (throw-in 3.30pm).
Jack Kennedy, used as a substitute last time out against Tipperary, had hoped to force his way back into the starting line-up.
But Fitzgerald is happy to go with the same side that ended the Munster champions' run.
This weekend's Croke Park decider will see Ken McGrath play in his more usual centre-back position, after being listed at full-back against Tipp and in previous matches.
McGrath switched positions with Declan Prendergast at the start of the semi-final, with 1998 Hurler of the Year Tony Browne moving to right half-back where he will start on Sunday.
Paul Flynn, Dave Bennett, Shane O'Sullivan and Brian Phelan, just like the aforementioned Jack Kennedy, will all have to be content with substitute roles.
Kilkenny, who are gunning for a three in-a-row and their sixth All-Ireland title this decade, will select their side later tonight.
This is Waterford's first All-Ireland senior final appearance since 1963 when they lost to Kilkenny by 4-17 to 6-8.
The Deise last lifted the Liam McCarthy Cup in 1959 when they beat Kilkenny in a replay.
Their attacking unit has really caught the eye in the latter stages of this year's championship - Eoin Kelly (6-34), John Mullane (2-18) and Eoin McGrath (0-13) have been in inspirational scoring form.
The neighbouring counties have already met this year in the National League. Back in March at Nowlan Park, Kilkenny recorded a comfortable 0-25 to 0-14 win.
WATERFORD (SHC v Kilkenny) - C Hennessy; E Murphy, D Prendergast, A Kearney; T Browne, K McGrath, K Moran; M Walsh (capt), J Nagle; D Shanahan, S Prendergast, S Molumphy; E McGrath, E Kelly, J Mullane.
