"I'm really pleased that we're back up in Division 1A. It's where we belong really."
That was how John Mullane summed up his thoughts to RTÉ Sport following Waterford's promotion back to the top tier of the hurling league.
The Déise's 0-22 to 0-16 victory over Wexford on Sunday saw them top the standings in 1B, while also setting up a Division 1 quarter-final at home to Galway next Sunday.
Having watched his native county throughout the spring, Mullane believe the supply line of talent coming through, with manager Derek McGrath at the helm, can lead to productive days ahead.
"I'm really excited about what's forthcoming with Waterford," he added.
"There is a great belief amongst the players. They are very united. I think something special could happen with this group.
"I'm with the U21s at the moment and there's some fantastic talent coming through. You look at Austin Gleeson, Tadhg de Burca, Colin Dunford, Jamie Barron and Jake Dillon. There's another gem coming along in Patrick Curran.
"I think we were in the right division this year. He {Derek McGrath} has used 27 players and has found a really good panel."
"I'm really excited about what's forthcoming with Waterford" - John Mullane
Reflecting on the victory over Wexford, Mullane felt "Waterford smothered the life out of Wexford and practically bullied them."
He now is looking forward to next weekend's clash with Galway and thinks Waterford can make further progress.
"With the tight surroundings in Walsh Park and the system they are currently playing, I think Waterford can beat Galway."
Looking at the league as a whole, the De La Salle club man has praised the competitive nature of what he's seen this year, but feels there are issues to be addressed with regard to promotion and relegation.
"It's been a fantastic league and we've all seen how competitive it is.
"For the last two years we've had a follow on effect in that we've had a fantastic championship.
"However I think if you finish last in Division 1A, you should be relegated. Whoever finishes second in 1B should play in a promotion play-off with the second last team in 1A."
So next week, you would have Kilkenny (second last in 1A) playing Wexford (1B runners-up). It would give Wexford a chance to try and get back up alongside the winner of Division 1B.
"Clare (last in 1A) have only won one game out of the five, but yet could end up playing in the section next year if they beat Kilkenny next weekend. I don't think that's the right structure."
