Waterford manager Derek McGrath says the seven-point victory over Clare in the Munster semi-final was just rewards for players who have "put their lives on hold".
The Déise atoned for their League final defeat to Davy Fitzgerald’s side to advance to the provincial decider against either Tipperary or Limerick next month.
Maurice Shanahan’s goal gave Waterford a four-point cushion at the break and they finished the stronger of the two sides as Clare simply had no answer to the pace and power of their rivals.
McGrath told RTÉ Sport that the result was just rewards for the commitment demonstrated by the squad.
"It’s unbelievable. I’m delighted for the boys and their families, I’m thrilled," he said.
"Guys were putting their lives on hold, an obsession to get over the line. An absolute want to do well for the jersey they were wearing.
"You talk about systems, you talk about tactics, innovation...at the end of the day it comes down to team work, heart and spirit, resilience. All those characteristics.
"People often get caught up in systems, but our system is based on old fashioned values that are inherent in those boys."
Despite the natural disappointment of failing to retain their League crown, McGrath says it is satisfying to see the progress of his team continue in an upward trajectory.
"It's a sign that we’re consistently competitive now.
"We were in a Munster final last year, we’re in a Munster final this year.
"We were playing a really good team so to perform in the manner we did was really satisfying."
13 years after making his senior championship debut for Waterford against Kerry, Michael 'Brick' Walsh remains a central figure on the team and received a rapturous response when he was replaced in injury-time by Stephen Bennett.
The experienced forward is a firm favourite among fans and team-mates alike and McGrath hailed the influence of the Stradbally man.
"[He’s] the greatest team player that has ever played for Waterford,” he insisted.
"For years we were blessed with absolutely talented individuals, and he’s the first to put the team before anything else."
