Molumphy promises significant change to Waterford senior hurling panel

New Waterford senior hurling manager Stephen Molumphy has promised “significant” change to the Déise panel ahead of the 2027 season, with a host of new faces set to be given an opportunity to stake their claim for a county jersey.

In an open letter to Waterford supporters, Molumphy outlined his plans for the months ahead, confirming that emerging players will be brought into the senior set-up while an open trial for club players will also take place in November.

The new Déise boss said invitations will begin going out to prospective panel members over the coming weeks as his management team starts the process of assembling its squad for 2027.

Molumphy, who described managing his native county as a “huge honour”, made it clear that there will be considerable competition for places.

“Moving forward there will be change within the panel,” he said.

“We intend to introduce a significant number of new players and give opportunities to players who we believe can contribute to Waterford Senior Hurling in 2027 and beyond.” Some of the younger players brought into the set-up will initially train with the senior squad before returning to the county’s U20 programme in December.

The Ballyduff Upper man acknowledged the appetite among Waterford supporters to see the county’s emerging talent given a chance at senior level and said his management team is committed to providing that pathway.

“We know that the people of Portláirge want to see our emerging talent given an opportunity, and we are absolutely committed to doing that,” he said.

“We have a responsibility to develop the next generation of Waterford hurlers while also building a competitive senior team. Those two objectives can and must go hand in hand.” Perhaps the most notable element of Molumphy’s plans is the decision to stage an open trial later this year, giving players from across Waterford’s clubs another route into the senior set-up.

The trial match will be held at either Walsh Park or Fraher Field in November, with clubs invited to nominate players they believe deserve an opportunity.

Molumphy stressed that the door to the county panel must remain open, particularly given the depth of talent playing throughout Waterford’s club championships.

“We recognise that Waterford has a huge amount of talent playing hurling in clubs across the county, and it is important that the door remains open,” he said.

“If clubs believe that there are players who deserve an opportunity, we will ask club secretaries to nominate those players to be included in the trial match. We want to make sure the process is open and competitive.” The message from the new manager is that reputations alone will not determine who features for Waterford next season, insisting that “the Waterford jersey has to be earned”.

His comments point towards a potentially substantial reshaping of the senior panel, combining established inter-county players with younger prospects and players who impress through the club game.

The Déise boss believes that balance can help create a side with which Waterford supporters can identify.

“We have an exciting group of players, experienced leaders, talented young hurlers and, importantly, a genuine opportunity to develop a team that the people of Portláirge can connect with and be proud of,” he said.

Molumphy also expressed confidence in the backroom team assembled around the senior squad, describing it as a group containing considerable experience, expertise and energy.

The aim, he said, will be to establish an elite environment which demands commitment and sacrifice from players but is also one they are proud and excited to be part of.

He has acknowledged there will inevitably be difficult decisions along the way, particularly as competition for Championship places intensifies.

“There will be challenges. There will be difficult days. There will be selection decisions that players, clubs and supporters may not always agree with,” Molumphy said.

“But our commitment will be to work honestly, give players opportunities, create competition for places and do everything we can to prepare Waterford to compete at the highest possible level.” Molumphy concluded his message with a direct appeal to Déise supporters to get behind the new-look side when competitive action begins in 2027.

He wants Walsh Park - and the other venues Waterford visit during the League and Championship - to have a strong Waterford presence and for the players to feel the county is firmly behind them.

“The support of our clubs, our supporters, our families and everyone who loves Waterford hurling matters enormously,” he said.

“This is not just about a panel of players, a management team or a backroom staff. It is about Waterford hurling.” For those receiving the call from the new management team over the coming weeks, Molumphy’s instructions were equally straightforward: “Embrace the opportunity. Challenge yourself. Work hard. Earn your place.” His final message to Waterford supporters ahead of what promises to be a period of considerable change was just as clear.

“Come with us. We will need you. Portláirge Abú.”