Derek McGrath, Waterford hurling manager, has admitted Waterford goalkeeper Stephen O’Keefe charging down Anthony Nash in last weekend’s Munster quarter final replay was one of a number of options his side considered as a way of dealing with Nash’s penalty technique.
“We discussed it at training, in terms of what we might be able to get away with or where we might not be able t get away with if you like,” McGrath told Off the Ball.
“We just said we’d chance it and, like most keepers they’re a little bit maverick at times so Stephen himself just decided to have a go.”
McGrath explained that Nash’s skill has inspired many others, and an attempt to replicate the technique had been perfected by Waterford forward Austin Gleeson.
“What had happened as a result of Anthony’s unique skill, most teams now were just setting themselves up to throw the ball in ten yards and have a lash,” McGrath said.
“In fact, Austin Gleeson our own forward had kind of practiced himself and he’d a unique method of doing it with one hand actually. He was able to get it nearly in on the small parallelogram altogether...no one will get to see that unfortunately.”
McGrath was speaking to Off the Ball on Saturday’s hurling preview panel, along with Sunday Times writer Denis Walsh.
Listen to the full panel, including an exclusive interview with Cork manager Jimmy Barry Murphy, via the player below
Download the brand new OffTheBall App in the Play Store & App Store right now! We've got you covered!
Subscribe to OffTheBall's YouTube channel for more videos, like us on Facebook or follow us on Twitter for the latest sporting news and content.
