Waterford hurling manager Davy Fitzgerald dismissed rumours that his team trained in the early hours of the morning during a pre-Christmas training camp.
Waterford defeated Tipperary by two points in Dungarvan on Sunday to seal a place in the Munster Hurling League final. They had already beaten Kerry by 11 points in their opening game.
Rumours had circulated during December that the Waterford hurlers had participated in a 2am boot camp training session.
"It's funny, we actually haven't trained as hard as you think," Fitzgerald told Clubber TV.
"We were away on a training weekend and we actually didn't train at all. There were rumours that we were out at this time of the night and that. It's actually not true - any of it. We focused on other areas that I think we need to focus on."
7 January 2024; Waterford manager Davy Fitzgerald and selector Peter Queally during the Co-Op Superstores Munster Hurling League Group B match between Waterford and Tipperary at Fraher Field in Dungarvan, Waterford. Photo by Harry Murphy/Sportsfile
Tipperary, who had Robert Byrne sent off during the first half, battled back from nine points down to take the lead late in the game. However, three scores from Padraig Fitzgerald, Reuben Halloran and Seanie Callaghan earned the win for Waterford.
"I thought for 50 minutes of that, we absolutely owned it," said Fitzgerald.
"Even before they had a man sent off, we were well in control, and I mean well in control.
"It's about giving opportunities. I think we have another 14 or 15 guys that played championship last year to come back in.
"We want to make it as competitive as we possibly can. That's what a panel is there for, to give them games. You need to give them games and I'm happy they got it today. I'm happy there were nearly 2,000 people here today, which is great.
"The one thing that I want for Waterford is to show character. That's a very important ingredient for me, no matter what, that you show character. I do believe that we have the hurlers in Waterford.
"I just want more grit, more character. We're working hard to see if we can get that. We're not there but we're on the right road. You could see it today, the game had completely turned on us but we found a way to get back and win that game by two points."
7 January 2024; Padraig Fitzgerald of Waterford in action against Craig Morgan of Tipperary during the Co-Op Superstores Munster Hurling League Group B match between Waterford and Tipperary at Fraher Field in Dungarvan, Waterford. Photo by Harry Murphy/Sportsfile
2024 will be the second season of Fitzgerald's second stint as Waterford manager. Last year was a major disappointment as the Deise finished bottom of the Munster Championship table.
"The crowd today, I could feel them behind us," said Fitzgerald, before asking for Waterford fans to have patience with him and his team.
"That's all we want, a fighting chance. I'd love [people] to come out in those numbers and support us even more; whether we have a good day or bad day, stay with me. I'm telling you, we won't be bad if you just stay with us and led us do what we're trying to do.
"I needed to find out a few things [last year]. I think there's been an underlying problem there for a few years. I probably got to understand that more in the championship last year than I ever did.
"I think the lads will tell you that we've identified one or two areas that we need to work on ourselves. I think you should let us work on them because I believe the hurling ability is there. Let's see if we can get the other one or two things that we're trying.
"I've always said this: I'm here to try and win for Waterford. That's the most important thing. I'm trying everything. It's important to give me the two or three years to see if I can do it. If I'm not able, then I'll let someone else."
Waterford will play in the Munster Hurling League final on January 21st. Their Allianz Hurling League campaign gets underway against Offaly on February 4th.
