For a county like Waterford it was a massive boost that the U21 panel were victorious in their quest to win the U21 All Ireland title this year. After the senior team getting so close to beating Kilkenny this year and losing out in an All Ireland semi final the county was very upset that they had failed to make the final again.

Having won the minor title 3 years previous there was a massive favourite tag going along with the team. In fairness to them they never let it hinder them as the cruised through the Munster and All Ireland with Tipperary being the team to come closest to them and even at that they ran out 10 point victors. By cruising through like they did it earned them 8 players named on the U21 team of the year and Stephen Bennett earning himself Player of the year. Also in that team you had the current Hurler and Young Hurler of the year Austin Gleeson who controlled all the games from centre back.

With this team winning an All Ireland title it has brought hope and has lifted the spirits in the county that these players can progress on into the senior team and drive that team on to win a senior All Ireland title in the next few years.

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