Eddie Brennan | Joe Canning | Ollie Canning | DJ Carey | Eugene Cloonan
Martin Comerford | Lar Corbett | Brendan Cummins | Ronan Curran
Ger Farragher | James 'cha' Fitzpatrick | Damien Fitzhenry | Paul Flynn
John Gardiner | Niall Gilligan | Damian Hayes | Conal Keaney | Michael Kavanagh
Eoin Kennedy | Eoin Kelly | Eoin Kelly | Eoin Larkin | Derek Lyng
Fergus McMahon | Seanie McMahon | Johnny McIntosh | Andrew Mitchell
Stephen Molumpy | Pat Mulcahy | John Mullane | Sean Óg Ó Hailpin
Andrew O'Shaughnessy | Ben O'Connor | Seamus Prendergast
Keith Raymond | Eoin Quigley | Joe Rabbite | Keith Rossiter | Dan Shanahan
Henry Shefflin | James Skehill | Tommy Walsh | Brian Whelehan | James Young
Waterford forward, Stephen Molumphy, burst onto the scene in this year's Hurling Championship. The Ballyduff man roved all over the pitch, helping out his teammates in midfield and also popping up around the edge of the square to hit some vital goals.
Waterford won the NHL final in May, beating the mighty Kilkenny and they felt that this was their year. Having seen off rivals Cork in the Munster semi-final, the Déise went on to beat Limerick in the final. However, they drew the Rebels again in the All-Ireland quarter-final. It was a classic encounter, with Cork leading towards the end, but a goal by Molumphy helped save Waterford and they went on to win the replay and earn a place in the All-Ireland semi-finals. They met Limerick again in the semi-finals but this time they lost out in a lightening-fast game full of goals. But Waterford never gave up and a mighty Molumphy goal, sparked a fightback. Alas, it was not to be and they could not add the All-Ireland title to their League and Munster crowns. It was an unforgettable year for Molumphy and his efforts were rewarded when he won his first All-Star in October.
Waterford again had a brilliant year, but unfortunately failed to make it to the All-Ireland final. What was your personal highlight?
Winning the National League and the Munster final were my two highlights of the year. After we won the Munster final, all the crowd came out onto the pitch and the supporters were just unbelievable.
Which is the toughest team you have ever faced?
It would have to be Cork. While we lost to Limerick in the semi-final, I felt we didn't do ourselves justice on the day, but it is always great to get a win over Cork. We beat them four times this year, they are very fast and there is an intense rivalry between the teams.
Who was the toughest opponent you ever played against?
Kilkenny defender Jackie Tyrrell. I came up against Jackie in the National League final and he was very hard to play against.
Which players do you admire the most?
The players I admire most are my brothers. I have four older brothers who play with my club and I would have always looked up to them. They have been a huge influence on me.
What club do you play for and who are your biggest rivals?
I play for Ballyduff Upper. Our biggest rivals would be Lismore, the nearest club to us, and my girlfriend is from Lismore!
Do you play any other sports?
I play Gaelic football with my club. I also love outdoor sports such as swimming, kayaking and sailing.
What are your hopes for the future?
That Waterford can go one step further in the Championship next year. We know we just have to do it after losing the semi-final this year. So the main aim is to get to the All-Ireland final.
What's the most important skill to have?
It's not really a skill, but I think attitude is the most important thing. It all depends on how much you want it, you have to go for every single ball. I would rather have someone in the team with half the skill but the right attitude.
What advice would you give to young players?
It sounds simple, but keep a hurl in your hand, even if you are just walking the dog. Go out and play hurling with your friends and get involved with your club and bring your friends along.
Name: Stephen Molumphy
Age: 23
Team: Waterford
Debut: 2007 v Cork
Position: Half-Forward
Club: Ballyduff Upper
Honours:
1 National Hurling League title,
1 Munster Senior title,
1 Intermediate County Club title,
1 All-Star Award.
Fav Food: Chicken Fajitas
Fav Book: Lord of the Rings
Fav Film: Gladiator
Fav TV: Lost
Hobbies: Sailing, mountain climbing & scuba diving
Occupation: Army Lieutenant
Culfact:
Stephen is based in Germany with the Army, so he had to fly home to collect his All-Star Award.
© December 2006
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