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
In late April, Seamus Prendergast won his first national senior inter-county medal when The Déise beat Kilkenny to claim the National Hurling League title in Thurles. That day, an impressive Waterford produced a braveheart performance to stop the Cats from winning their fifth NHL title in six years.
Seamus was awesome on the day, scoring three points and his towering presence rocked the Kilkenny defence and never let them settle. Now his sights are firmly fixed on the real prize, The Liam McCarthy Cup, which Waterford haven’t won since 1959. The lethal centre-forward feels that things are different this year, “Everyone is giving 110% to the cause and new stars like Aidan Kearney and Stephen Molumphy have come on the scene”
Having already beaten the top two, Cork and Kilkenny, in knockout league matches, they don’t fear anybody. Yet this time, their feet are firmly on the ground after the disappointments of the last few years. This team has grown up and they won’t be getting carried away - rest of the hurling world take note!
Waterford were brilliant this year, you looked really determined. What’s different in your approach?
This year, everyone on the panel is giving 110%, a real team effort. We worked really hard at our training and gym work. Also, young players like Aidan Kearney and Stephen Molumphy really energised us.
What has been your greatest sporting moment for The Déise?
Winning my first Munster title in 2002 against Tipperary. We beat them by a point, it was a great game. Also winning the National Hurling League earlier this year was brilliant. There was a massive crowd on the pitch to celebrate with us.
Which is the toughest team you have ever faced?
We played both Cork and Kilkenny in the league this year, they were really hard games.
Who was the toughest opponent you ever played against?
Without a doubt, Ronan Curran for Cork.
Which players do you admire the most?
Henry Shefflin is definitely one of the best players around in the modern game.
Who was your childhood sporting hero?
DJ Carey was a great inspiration for me. John Fenton was great too, very skillful.
What club do you play for and who are your biggest rivals?
I play for Ardmore. Our biggest rivals would be De la Salle, Mount Sion and Ballygunner.
Do you play any other sports?
Gaelic football and golf
What are your hopes for the future?
To add a Championship title to our National Hurling League win.
What’s the most important skill in your opinion?
The first touch is crucial. There is so little time in the game now so controlling the ball is very important.
What advice would you give to young players?
Practice everyday and and listen to your coaches?
Name: Seamus Prendergast
Age: 27
Team: Waterford
Debut: 2000 V Tipperary
Position: Half-Forward
Honours:
1 National Hurling League title,
2 Munster Senior titles,
1 Intermediate County title,
1 Junior County title,
1 Minor County title,
Vodafone Player of the Month April 2007
Club: Ardmore
Fav Food: Steak and Spuds
Fav Music: Traditional Irish
Fav Film: Shawshank Redemption
Fav TV: Prison Break
Hobbies: Farming and golf
Occupation: Sales Rep
CúlFACT:
As Seamus and his brother Declan were winning their first NHL title in Thurles, their sister Lisa was winning a Div 2 Camogie League final in Portlaoise. Some celebrations that night?
© May 2007
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