Inspired by the likes of Tom Cheasty, Austin Flynn, Tom Cunningham and Phil Grimes, Waterford’s senior hurlers captured the Liam McCarthy Cup for only the second time in 1959 – they did it the hard way, defeating Cork in the Munster final and Kilkenny in the final (after a replay).
In an interview with this publication, one of that all conquering side, the late Ned Power from Tallow, recalled he never believed it would take so long to annex another title – he also recounted the contribution of unsung hero and sterling defender, Joe Harney.
“We had a brilliant team and deservedly won the title that year (1959). A lot of people won’t remember him now, but we had fellas like Joe Harney – Joe marked Christy Ring in the Munster final and did a great job on him, from a goalkeeper’s point of view (Ned was the Waterford goalkeeper), Joe was the perfect defender – lightning fast, brilliant skill and the heart of a lion,” Ned, who was always very generous with his time, told this reporter.
It troubled Ned that a county that continued to produce outstanding hurlers and very good teams after 1959 couldn’t break through again.
Coverage in this week’s Print & Digital Edition
