Tipperary ace Shane McGrath afforded some sympathy to Waterford after the Premier County ousted them from the All-Ireland SHC on Sunday.
Tipp recorded a 3-19 to 1-18 win over the Deise to secure a repeat of last year’s All-Ireland final against Kilkenny. Liam Sheedy’s side will be desperate to gain revenge on the Cats after last year’s heartbreaking late loss, but immediately after Sunday’s game MGrath took the time to hail the efforts put in by Munster champions Waterford all year.
Two years ago the Deise beat Tipp at the same stage, a loss McGrath felt helped his side mature over the last couple of seasons.
“We came up two years ago against this team and they blew us away, really,” the Ballinahinch clubman was quoted as saying by the Irish Examiner.
“But the bit of experience helped. But, in all fairness, all the Waterford boys shook hands with us coming off the pitch and wished us the best in the final.
“We know how they feel, we've often come down out of here with no win. So we're delighted to be in an All-Ireland final."
McGrath played in midfield on Sunday after being named in attack earlier in the campaign. He was happy to be played in his preferred position but says in truth he would play anywhere just to wear the blue and gold.
"I'm happy to be out there, it's where I feel most comfortable, but I don't care where they ask me to play. I'll play in the goal if I'm asked.
“We were up against two of the best midfielders around today and I thought we fared out okay. They got a couple of points off us but Shane O'Sullivan and Richie Foley are going to be All-Star nominees and rightly so. We're just glad to have the win."