So far in this millennium, Waterford have played their part in the often compelling narrative that is the quest for supremacy in senior hurling.
Kilkenny have been the masters with their bulging trophy haul, but the Déise's days in the sun have given rise to much celebration, even beyond the borders of the Munster county.
The reclaiming of a Munster title in 2002; the gripping win over Cork in the provincial decider two years later, and then another victory over the Rebels at the same stage when dusk was falling at Semple Stadium in 2010, are days that stand out.
There was that crushing loss to the Cats in the 2008 All-Ireland final but, nevertheless, the side dusted themselves down and came back for more.
On a sweltering hot July evening in 2013, Waterford and Kilkenny produced a classic in a hurling qualifier that tantalizingly ebbed and flowed before the Black and Amber just prevailed after extra time.
Afterwards, Brian Cody paid tribute to then Déise boss Michael Ryan saying that "it was the first time Waterford had gone toe-to-toe with Kilkenny."
Such acclamation wasn't enough for Ryan to keep his job, as the county board failed to give him an extension, amid dissatisfaction from some squad members.
Enter Derek McGrath. After a successful stint managing his club, De La Salle, to a county and college success, McGrath was named Waterford manager in the autumn of 2013.
His first year in charge saw more downs than ups, with relegation from the league's top flight and a heavy defeat to Cork in the Munster semi-final replay. Confidence was restored somewhat through the back door after the narrow loss to Wexford.
At this point we wondered whether Waterford were at a hurling crossroad? Would they be cast adrift in the Munster pecking order?
We worried even more when McGrath opted to cull some established names from his squad last autumn.The likes of Seamus Prendergast, Shane Walsh and Jamie Nagle were told they were no longer wanted.
McGrath had his eye further down the talent chain and his focus was on the All-Ireland minor winning team from 2013.
Alan Hansen famously said: "You win nothing with kids". Alex Ferguson and Manchester United proved him wrong when months later they had a league and cup double to celebrate.
McGrath and his troops have not won nothing tangible yet, but what we've seen so far this spring bodes well that Waterford could be on the cusp of something great.
"There is a good fusion between the younger lads and the more experienced lads" - Derek McGrath
With promotion to the league's top flight already in the bag, the Déise can now look forward to a Division 1 semi-final against Tipperary.
Speaking to RTÉ Sport after the quarter-final win over Galway, McGrath talked about the "massive challenge" that lies ahead against a team that he claims are "without argument the best team in the country at the moment."
Nevertheless, it's a challenge that McGrath should relish ahead of a re-acquaintance with Cork in the Munster semi-final on 7 June.
With youngsters like Austin Gleeson, Tadhg de Burca, Colin Dunford and Tom Devine now making their mark, the Waterford boss feels their arrival has given the squad a real boost.
"There is a good fusion between the younger lads and the more experienced lads," said McGrath .
"Overall, the attitude is good and there's a humility there that is really important. We have no egos in the new guys that have come in.”
Former Waterford legend John Mullane is also excited about what the future holds.
He said: "I'm really excited about what's forthcoming with Waterford. 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."
Time will tell whether something special will happen for Waterford, but as Clare proved recently, Liam MacCarthy success can happen hot on the heels of underage glory.
In their pomp under Justin McCarthy and Davy Fitzgerald, Waterford failed to top it off with September success. That's the challenge now for Derek McGrath and his team in what is an even more competitive race to win hurling's biggest prize.
