Former Waterford boss Derek McGrath has branded suggestions that Ballygunner's dominance of the county hurling championship is bad for the Déise as "absolute tripe".
Ballygunner won the All-Ireland Club Hurling title in dramatic fashion at Croke Park on Saturday, when a last-gasp Harry Ruddle goal edged them past Ballyhale Shamrocks by a single point.
Teacher McGrath, speaking on RTÉ's League Sunday, had nothing but praise for his countymen.
"Every one of the boys have been in school with us over the years," McGrath beamed.
"It's a proud day for Ballygunner, proud day Waterford. Huge emotion in Darragh (O'Sullivan, manager) in the interview there. Huge emotion even in myself watching it.
"There's a few misconceptions around Ballygunner over the years. Ballygunner have won eight in a row in Waterford; they've won the last five minor championships, they've won seven of the last 12 under-20s.
"A Fantastic club. People talk about the standard of Waterford hurling being affected by Ballygunner's dominance - I think that's absolute tripe.
"Ballygunner have raised the standard in their own club. Subsequent to that, they've raised standards in other clubs, in terms of preparation.
McGrath, who led Waterford to a League title in 2015, didn't stop there.
"They've given Waterford people hope," he insisted.
"They've given Waterford people inspiration with what they've done over the last number of years.
"The other misconception around Ballygunner is that they're from an affluent area, or they're a hugely resourced club, they've a huge catchment area. That is to completely ignore their culture, their people, their work ethic, what they've contributed to the club.
The @ballygunnerHc boys have made Mr McGrath very proud. #rtegaa #AllianzLeagueSunday pic.twitter.com/b6tKYdqPev
— RTÉ GAA (@RTEgaa) February 13, 2022
"When you think of great Waterford of the 80s and 90s, you think of the likes of Paul Flynn, Fergal Hartley, Billy O'Sullivan, Stephen Frampton, Philip Mahoney, Barry Coughlan, Stephen O'Keeffe, Padraig Mahoney, Ian Kenny, Peter Hogan, Shane O'Sullivan was involved with Davy [Fitzgerald] when Davy was involved with Waterford.
"What they've given Waterford and Ballygunner over the years. The best of guys. Guys of huge integrity. Guys that pursue excellence.
"Guys that are just in a headspace that they just want to be better every day they go out."
BALLYGUNNER 2-17 BALLYHALE 1-19: HOW IT HAPPENED
"Philip Mahoney is a role model for all our kids in school. The way he holds himself, the way he carries himself."
"Do not underestimate the psychological impact this will have on Waterford - particularly the way they won it."
