Waterford selector Dan Shanahan has called on the GAA to devise a way for players to benefit from the income generated by inter-county games. Sunday's drawn Allianz hurling final between Waterford and Clare means extra revenue for the association before the championship even begins.

“The entertainment they put up there was phenomenal,” Shanahan says of both sets of players. “The players don’t ask for much – whatever it is at the end of the year, it’s something they deserve. The entertainment out there was unbelievable.

“These players, every player – I’m not just on about the Waterford lads but every player – should get taken care of better. I know the GPA and GAA are looking into that. I hope they do because there are lads playing Premiership games today and they’re getting whatever they’re getting. You have that entertainment out there, the fastest game on grass. Words speak for themselves.”

Intensity

Shanahan was not surprised by the intensity of Sunday’s match. Forecasts that both sides would be mindful of their imminent Munster championship clash were deeply misplaced. There was a sideline confrontation between the managements before half time and on the field the stakes seemed to get higher with every passing minute. Some league finals just fade out: this one started dimly but grew into an operatic, memorable match.

“I don’t get the idea that people think we’re shadow-boxing for four or five weeks’ time,” says Shanahan. “It’s absolute BS. You want to win a trophy. There’s a new trophy up there and everyone wants to win it.

“We’re no different than Clare. They haven’t won it since 1978; we want to create history and be the first Waterford team to win it two years in a row.

“You saw the passion out there from both sets of benches, both sets of players – when you have that, it’s ridiculous talk.”