Waterford hurling boss Derek McGrath will make a decision on his future in the coming weeks after watching his side lose to Cork 3-17 to 2-5.
Speculation leading up to the clash suggested McGrath was set to end his five-year spell in charge of the Deise after a difficult season which involved relegation to Division 1B of the league and a round robin stage exit in the Munster SHC.
But McGrath has asked for time to make his final decision on a day that saw Michael Walsh make his final appearance in a Waterford jersey.
“There’s specualtion obviously because every interview I’ve done this year has been leaning towards that,” McGrath said.
“I guess with everything that has happened over the last few weeks...I think we’ll take a certain amount of time [to think].
“I was anxious also today – today was Michael’s day – I was very keen on not sharing any limelight with Michael Walsh. It’s his day, it’s his family’s day and he deserves any praise that he gets today and up until now.
“I’ll make my mind up over the next weeks. I’ve no story for you today as such.”
Derek McGrath spoke with @oisinlangan after his sides loss to Cork earlier this afternoon: "I was very keen on not sharing any limelight with Michael Walsh. It’s his day, it’s his family’s day and he deserves any praise that he gets today and up until now." @BoyleSports pic.twitter.com/T9rIOnHf0R
— Off The Ball (@offtheball) June 17, 2018
McGrath was also questioned about whether he could take the positives out of a testing season. But the 42-year-old was keen not to dwell on a forgettable year.
“We were so low last Saturday in Limerick and we faced a difficult week of preparations,” McGrath added.
“We were delighted with the minors winning in Limerick last week and we had the dejection of the minors losing today.
“Waterford are renowned for moral victories and it’s a culture we’re trying to get away from.
“I think there would have been more solace in the fact that we’d be getting two points today and you could have been in the running for a Munster final. But we’ll take it as it is.”
James Hopper
