Na Déise draft in O'Rourke

Donal O’Rourke has been named as part of Peter Queally’s Waterford senior hurling backroom team.

Cappaquin man O’Rourke replaces Eoin Kelly in the management team, the 2010 All-Ireland winning Tipp captain having served as a selector for the past three years.

O’Rourke returns to his home county as coach after being part of the Cork set-up that won the Munster SHC, national hurling league and contested the All-Ireland final under Pat Ryan this year. He was coach with the Rebels for three years and prior to that managed the Waterford camogie team and was coach with Galway's 2021 All-Ireland senior camogie championship winning side.

Queally and Kelly were both selectors under former Waterford manager Davy Fitzgerald, before the former succeeded the Clare man as boss in August, 2024.

According to Waterford GAA chairperson Neil Moore: “Eoin has given tremendous service to Waterford over the past three years. His passion for the game and his insight have been greatly appreciated by players and management alike. On behalf of everyone in Waterford GAA, I want to thank him sincerely for his time and dedication.

“Donal, from the Affane Cappoquin Tourin club, brings a wealth of coaching experience and a deep understanding of the game. We welcome Donal to the set-up and look forward to the impact he will bring to the team.”