The Deise have been struck a cruel blow ahead of the Championship, the 2016 hurler of the year Austin Gleeson is set to mis their opening matches in Munster.

“Unfortunately, time looks like it’s going to run out on them,” said Waterford selector Peter Queally.

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The 2016 Hurler of the Year suffered a hamstring tear against Tipperary last month and it appears time will run out on him making it back for Waterford’s round-robin games against Limerick and Cork.

That is an absolute disaster for the southern county, Munster is going to be hugely competitive again this year and every game will count in getting out of Munster. Can the Deise county get out of Munster this year for the first time since the round robin started..?