‘We’ve bounced back well in our last two games’ – Keane

Conor Keane produced a fine display to be crowned Man of the Match in Waterford’s win against Offaly on Sunday.

The young De La Salle defender lorded the skies and enjoyed his battle with Offaly forward Adam Screeney. Keane says going into the game, the Déise emphasised the importance of making the home games count.

“Coming into this game, that's all we were focused on. We played Offaly twice last year and they always give a tough game. All we were looking for today was just to get two points. We’ve really been focused on getting Walsh Park back to being a force like it was. That’s two wins from two now in the last two weeks, so we're delighted with that. Two points is all we were asking for really.” Having led by the minimum at the interval, Keane admitted that Peter Queally and his management team weren’t best pleased with what they had seen, but there wasn’t blood on the walls and the focus was entirely on getting the basics right.

“There were a few strong words, but at the end of the day, we just had to stay calm. We knew we had the work done last week and we prepared well for Offaly. All we had to do really was just focus back in, get our minds back right, talk about a few things. It wasn't too harsh now, but Peter got us going for the second half.” Like many, Keane credited the introduction of Stephen Bennett and Mark Fitzgerald as a major turning point.

“Their names alone speak for themselves. The lads are two great players. When you're coming in after the first half and the game is as tight as it is, then you can bring on two of Waterford’s best hurlers - that’s huge. They did a good job in the second half.” Adam Screeney has long been touted as one of hurling’s brightest young prospects, and Keane enjoyed going toe-to-toe with him in a fascinating battle.

“I think I'd be the same age as Adam, but I don't think I ever got a chance to mark him. We never really got out of Munster when we were in our under-20s so that was the first time I ever marked him. Obviously, he's as good as everyone makes him out to be. He is good. His feet are great.” Waterford’s next outing will be at Nowlan Park on Sunday February 22nd and Keane believes a week with the feet up won’t do anyone any harm.

“It’ll be great to get a week off. A lot of us, including myself, were playing Fitzgibbon the last few weeks, so that’s tough on the bodies. Obviously, this time of year, the ground ain't great, so we're delighted to get a week off. We’ve gone four points out of six. That's not bad. After the first game against Cork, we bounced back well, so we're delighted with that.”