Pauric Mahony confident Waterford will battle back in 2024

Pauric Mahony is hopeful Waterford can progress in their second season under Davy Fitzgerald despite the absence of Austin Gleeson.

The 28-year-old former Hurler of the Year has opted out from the Déise panel next year following an injury-disrupted 2023 campaign.

Mahony, who retired from inter-county duty in January this year, hopes Gleeson "will be able to go off and recharge the batteries and come back to play for Waterford, if it's in 2024 or 2025.

"He will be missed. Inside the group, everyone would know how important Austin is to the team and in general. He’s a positive influence and everyone gets on well with him.

"He’s going to be a loss on the field too, but I think he has made the right decision for himself. Sometimes you can only just push it and push it for so long, putting the team first and sometimes you have to be that little bit selfish.

"But we hope to see him back in a Waterford jersey again."

How was Mahony's first year watching on as a 'former’ inter-county player?

"When you are at the games in Thurles and it is a sunny day, of course you miss being out on the pitch. But not the work that is required to get to that stage.

"I felt I gave it a good enough stint for a number of years and mentally and physically I felt now was the time to move on. I’m content in my decision.

"I was fortunate enough to go and train the Ballygunner minor team this year. That was rewarding in a different way too and we were fortunate enough to win that championship. And then a simple thing like being able to get around for a round of golf. Previously, you would have only got out once or twice a year, now you are out every week for a game of golf. You just have a different type of life. One that you can enjoy. You can make your own