Waterford gets ready to honour the team, win or lose

NOT THAT it will bother Waterford fans tomorrow, but no one under the age of 45 has seen Waterford hurlers play in an All-Ireland Final at Croke Park.

The last occasion was in 1963 when, watched by president de Valera and taoiseach Seán Lemass, they lost to Kilkenny. Their last victory was nearly 50 years ago on October 4th, 1959 - after a replay - also against the old foe.

Now, for the first time in 45 years, Waterford City Council is busy preparing for a team homecoming and civic reception - win or lose - on Monday evening. If the match is a draw, homecomings in both cities will be deferred until after a replay scheduled for September 28th.

The build-up to an occasion that many fans had despaired that they would never witness has created unprecedented levels of public interest and adulation for the Waterford players. There is a tremendous air of pride, sheer joy and excitement throughout the city and county.

The team's popular manager, former Clare hurler Davy Fitzgerald, held "open evenings" to allow the public access to training sessions. These sessions attracted thousands of people and saw the players being mobbed by well-wishers.

Anecdotal reports suggest that people from Waterford who live abroad have returned "in droves" to Ireland for the game. An estimated 30,000 people from the county are expected to travel to Dublin.

Some northern suburbs of Waterford city - across the river Suir - are actually in Co Kilkenny.

In Ferrybank, loyalties are divided and a mix of both counties' colours - sometimes even on the same house - reflect the interwoven lives and loyalties of the community.

Thousands of Kilkenny residents commute daily to work or study in the capital of the southeast region and Kilkenny-based dairy foods company Glanbia is the main sponsor for both teams.

The mayor of Waterford's brother is the chairman of Kilkenny County Council. This interaction has accentuated the rivalry, banter and intense anticipation.

Strolling though the city centre, local man Jack Doyle-Ryan (20) and his Kilkenny girlfriend Tara Curtis (18) said they'd be watching the game together on television. He described the atmosphere as "good-humoured" and believes Waterford "have a fighting chance".

In Doc's barber shop on Michael Street, proprietor Brendan Byrne said: "I think they might do it, the heart might get them there. They're not afraid of Kilkenny." Taxi driver Tony James predicted that Sunday night would be "as busy as New Year's Eve".

Schools and many workplaces are expected to close on Monday if there are celebrations.

In GAA circles, Waterford is known as "the Déise" and the county's white and blue colours are adorned with a crest featuring three Viking longboats, the Ardmore round tower and a Celtic Cross. Flags flutter from almost every lamp post, many cars and thousands of shops and houses.

Leaving the city on the road to Dublin, there is a large roadside poster with a goodwill message from the local newspaper, the Waterford News and Star: "Don't stop believing," it pleads.

A few miles north, deep into Kilkenny territory, a cheeky Cat has erected a sign that reads: "Croke Park this way." Waterford fans would dearly love to tame the lion.