To lose one selector is unfortunate Waterford hurling, but to lose two…

We said last week that life is never dull in Waterford hurling and after a big win yesterday, they’re back in the news again this morning after another back-room reshuffle.

It was only late on Thursday that the news broke about the departure of Nicky Cashin from Michael Ryan’s back-room team. That was quickly followed by the news that former Deise legend Ken McGrath was stepping in. Add in the news that both John Mullane and Eoin Kelly were back in harness and life looked rosy in Waterford heading into the weekend.

That mood was further lifted yesterday as Mullane inspired Waterford to a vital 1-14 to 0-15 win over Galway, a victory that gives the Deise a chance to escape the relegation play-off from Division 1A if they can beat Dublin next week and if Galway lose to Kilkenny.

But no sooner had the positive headlines been written when Waterford were hit with another departure. Brother Philip Ryan has left as a selector, according to today’s Irish Examiner. No reason has yet been offered for Ryan’s move but the paper reports that another former on-field star, this time Sean Cullinane, is lined up to replace him.

Normally this level of upheaval, especially mid-season, would be a bad sign but things clearly were not working for Waterford up to now and perhaps this move will see the upward trend in performance we saw yesterday continue.

The loyal Deise fans will have to hope so.