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Paraic Fanning satisfied with Waterford's success

Paraic Fanning was satisfied with Waterford's Allianz Hurling League victory over Galway at Nowlan Park on Sunday.

Paraic Fanning was satisfied with Waterford's Allianz Hurling League victory over Galway at Nowlan Park on Sunday.

By Cian O'Connell

It was one of those satisfying matches when character was demonstrated so Waterford manager Paraic Fanning left Nowlan Park content.

Waterford answered plenty of questions during an interesting encounter to book an Allianz Hurling League Final berth against Limerick.

That was the outcome from a Waterford display that was all about guts and a bit of guile.

Galway's blistering start and Mikey Kearney's dismissal could have rocked Waterford, who just found a way to eke out a victory.

Eight different Waterford players contributed scores, but it was their application which encouraged Fanning.

"Yeah look it doesn't matter who scores, we said that, it's the same," Fanning stated. 

"We're playing to win, however the scores come and whoever gets them, doesn't matter. We have to work our socks off to do it. 

"I thought in the second half, I'm looking forward to watching it again, just to pick up on a few things because it was fairly heated out here at times. 

"There's one or two things trying to think back on it, did we get everything right? Probably not, but we got enough right to get over the line. We picked up a couple of knocks, Galway did too. I hope they're alright too because they're massive players."

Fanning highlighted the manner in which the Waterford panel delivered when it counted.

"It certainly wasn't easy," Fanning admitted. "It was heavy going. I didn't realise it went on that long. I knew we were doing well and we were in the game. 

"I do think the lads put in a massive shift and we had to. We'd to do one or two tweaks to our shape there to tory to get over the line. 

"But the lads implemented brilliantly out there just to get us through it and even Tadhg (de Burca) there, you see him cramping up at the end, they emptied everything, they emptied all they had."

Fanning is now relishing the opportunity to face the Liam MacCarthy Cup holders, Limerick, at Croke Park on Sunday.

"We have a game next week against the best team in the country in Limerick," Fanning added.

"They’ve shown how well they’ve responded to winning the All-Ireland last year and we know we have a massive challenge. 

"But isn’t it brilliant to be there? And we’re excited to be there."