Waterford's Munster SHC ambitions have received a shot in the arm with the confirmation that they will be allowed to play their home round-robin games at Walsh Park this summer.
The CCC of the Munster Council has confirmed that both the Déise's home games - on 12 May against Clare and on 2 June against Limerick - will take place at the ground.
Officers of the Munster Council and Waterford County Board met on Thursday lunchtime to discuss the use of Walsh Park, following confirmation by GAA Health and Safety Consultants that the capacity for both games will be set at 11,000.
"Today’s decision confirms that all of the competing counties in the 2019 Munster Senior Hurling Championship will have two home games," said Munster Council Chairman Liam Lenihan.
"We look forward to working with Waterford County Board to ensure the smooth running of both fixtures scheduled at the Waterford City venue."
Waterford County Board Chairman Paddy Joe Ryan added: "Due to a structural issue at the ground in 2018, which significantly reduced the capacity, we didn't play senior hurling championship games at the ground.
"However, this issue has since been resolved and the capacity set at 11,000. These games will be a big boost for the county and local businesses and we look forward to welcoming the supporters of Clare and Limerick to Waterford City. We are embarking on a redevelopment of the ground, which will bring the capacity to 15,500, including 9,000 seats. "
Last year Waterford played their 'home' games at the Gaelic Grounds and Semple Stadium. Walsh Park hasn't hosted a championship game since 2003, when the home side comfortably beat Kerry in the first round of Munster.
