Promotion-chasing Waterford sent 14-man Westmeath down to Division 2A with a 31-point hammering, scoring 7-34 in the process, the Déise's record total in a National Hurling League game.
Charlie Treen, a late replacement for Jamie Barron, scored 2-3 from play while substitute Sean Walsh netted two goals in a minute.
Kevin Mahony was the star man for Peter Queally’s men, scoring 1-6, while Dessie Hutchinson (1-4), Patrick Curran (1-2), and Stephen Bennett (0-10) also impressed.
However, the loudest roar of the day was for Austin Gleeson's introduction, with twelve minutes remaining.
It’s the first time the Former Hurler of the Year has played inter-county action in 666 days.
Gleeson reveals his year off was needed
After a season of just playing club, Gleeson told WLR that he had needed the rest.
"It has been strange; no point in lying," Gleeson said.
"Not being in Carriganore or Dungarvan with the lads and training with them a couple of days a week has been strange, but I can't lie; I've enjoyed the break. I feel like it's something that I needed.
"I suppose there's a thing like if I went back in 2024, I don't know, maybe I just would have begun to really resent hurling if you want to put it that way, I just wanted a good place with it.
"Taking the break really recovered that drive that I was hoping for", said Gleeson. "That was the biggest thing that I was hoping for out of the break was to want to hold a hurley again. I feel like I've got that back."
Waterford are now 70 minutes away from a return to Division 1A. Another win against already-promoted Offaly in Fraher Field on Saturday, March 22, will secure top-flight hurling for 2026.
