One of the biggest stories in sports Ireland on Tuesday centred on a possible managerial move that could shift the balance in Munster hurling. Brendan Cummins, a Tipperary great and one of the most respected voices in Irish sports coaching, is now being strongly linked with the vacant Waterford senior hurling job after stepping away from the Tipp U20 setup.
Cummins’ exit has quickly become one of the more intriguing pieces of ireland sports news, not least because of his recent success with Tipperary underage teams and Waterford’s urgent need for a fresh direction. For followers of gaa, gaa ireland and ireland hurling news, this is a development worth watching closely.
Brendan Cummins leaves Tipperary U20 role
The former Tipperary goalkeeper leaves behind a strong record. Since taking charge of the Tipp U20s ahead of the 2022 campaign, Cummins helped shape a group that became one of the most competitive outfits in county gaa. Tipperary reached the 2024 All-Ireland U20 final before losing to Offaly, but they responded in style a year later by beating Kilkenny to land the title.
That triumph was especially notable in gaa news because it delivered Tipperary’s first U20 All-Ireland in six years. This season ended in heartbreak after a dramatic Munster final defeat to Clare on penalties, and Cummins has now decided the time is right to move on.
In his departing remarks, he said it had been an honour to work with the players and management team, adding that there is major potential in the group and that handing on the baton now felt like the right call.
Why Waterford GAA may see him as the right fit
For Waterford GAA, the search matters. Peter Queally stepped down last month after two seasons in charge. While there were signs of progress, Waterford still failed to break out of the Munster round-robin and have now gone five years without reaching the All-Ireland series.
That makes this one of the most important appointments in gaa ireland ahead of the next campaign. Cummins would bring:
- Elite inter-county experience as a former All-Ireland winner
- A recent track record of player development
- Strong knowledge of Munster hurling rivals
- Credibility with young players stepping into senior level
There is also a striking precedent. Current Tipperary senior boss Liam Cahill previously made a similar move, taking over Waterford after leaving the Tipp U20 role. That link only adds to the belief that Cummins is a genuine contender rather than a name floated in early speculation.
Who else is in the frame?
Reports suggest former Waterford captain Stephen Molumby is also in contention. However, the fact that Cummins is being mentioned so prominently has already sparked plenty of ireland fan reactions among supporters looking for a manager capable of reviving limerick hurling’s nearest challengers in Munster. Former boss Davy Fitzgerald is not believed to be in the running.
What happens next for Waterford and Munster hurling?
If Cummins does take the job, it would be one of the most talked-about stories in sports Ireland this summer. It would also instantly raise expectations around Waterford’s ability to compete more seriously in the Munster Championship and return to the wider all ireland championship conversation.
For now, this remains a developing story, but it has all the ingredients of a major appointment: a proven coach, a proud county in need of momentum, and a rivalry edge that makes the move even more compelling. The next step is simple: watch who Waterford back, and watch how quickly they move. In sports Ireland, managerial calls like this can shape seasons long before a ball is thrown in.
Article/Image Courtesy: Balls.ie
