Liam Cahill is to stay on as Waterford hurling manager despite strong speculation that he would take up the vacancy in his own county, Tipperary, after the departure of Liam Sheedy.

In a statement released to tipperarylive.ie, Cahill moved to clarify the position and confirm that he and coach Mikey Bevans had agreed to a third year with Waterford with an option for a further year in 2023.

It is excellent news for Waterford, who he led to an All-Ireland final last year and this year’s semi-final, losing both to eventual champions Limerick.

Conversely it is a set back for Tipp, who have made no secret of their desire to appoint Cahill to the senior position after his success at underage with the county in recent years.

“To be ever associated with the position of Tipperary senior hurling manager is a huge honour,” runs the statement, “and I am extremely grateful to the county board for their recent approaches in this regard. We discussed various matters and I can honestly say that making this decision has been the most difficult one I have had to make in recent years….

“Mikey Bevans and I felt duty bound to give careful consideration to Waterford after their response to us in the past two years.

“Since accepting the Waterford invitation to manage their senior hurling team two years ago the support we have received has been remarkable. The Waterford county board has been unstinting in its backing for everything we did. The reaction of the players, even when difficult decisions had to be made, was exemplary. Their dedication and loyalty left a deep impression on both of us for whom loyalty is paramount.”