Our semi-final target is achieved, says McGrath

Waterford manager Derek McGrath has said his side have made their goal of a third All-Ireland semi-final, which they wanted to do "by hook or by crook".

An Déise saw off Wexford by four points in their last-eight battle, with McGrath delighted with the win post-match

“We’re just delighted to be in a third semi-final in a row and we obviously knew it was a formidable task ahead of us,” said McGrath. “We’re just delighted and int terms of progress, we’re probably on a different trajectory to Wexford at the moment. They’ve had a massive year under Davy Fitzgerald.

“Our goal was to get into a semi-final by hook or by crook and we’re at the same stage as we were this time last year and I suppose the prospect now is to face into the Galway or Cork challenge with a certain optimism.

“But I don’t think they’ll have too much trepidation ahead of playing us.”

When asked if Waterford are a better side in 2017, McGrath was unsure, alluding to the fact that the jury was still out on the season.

“I’m not normally one for comparisons, the only one for proof is if you actually deliver on given performances day after day,” said McGrath. “Are we better? That remains be seen. What we are is we’re a very united group who represent our family and friends, with gusto and pride.”

An Déise lost Tadhg de Burca to a red card late in the tie for an off-the-ball incident, however, McGrath refused to comment on the issue having not seen the clash in question.

“We’ll see. I haven’t seen it,” said McGrath. “But all I’ll say is that the last few years Tadhg de Burca has been a pure gentleman and joy to work in terms of his attitude to the game. So any sense or association with anything that was foul I’d be hugely surprised, but look it remains to be seen.”

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