Davy Fitzgerald could only watch as his Waterford side was eliminated from the round-robin stage of the Munster Championship for the second year of his return.
Fitzgerald - who guided his county to a Munster Championship title over a decade ago - had proved a divisive appointment when he retook the reins last season.
Waterford are no longer the contenders that they were, as evidenced by their inability to advance from the round-robin since 2021.
However, they have made ground since 12 months ago and Davy Fitzgerald stressed his pride in his players after their loss to Limerick.
"It's just I know we probably should've been gone through before today"
Davy Fitzgerald reflects on Waterford's Munster SHC campaign after the defeat to Limerick, with the Déise manager immensely proud of his players' efforts pic.twitter.com/rZHKqXgARk— The Sunday Game (@TheSundayGame) May 26, 2024
They started the campaign with a statement win against Cork, before settling for a tight draw against Tipperary.
Their biggest setback came when they were beaten by Clare by a point in contentious circumstances, Fitzgerald failing to contain his emotions in the aftermath.
Waterford then gave Limerick a scare by taking them two a two-point game before the reigning champions surged clear in the final few minutes.
John Mullane Backs Davy Fitzgerald To Stay On As Waterford Boss
Waterford legend John Mullane is one of the most prominent voices in the county and he has given Fitzgerald his seal of approval despite their inability to reach the knockout phase of the All-Ireland SHC.
Mullane has seen a clear progression with his former side, telling The Throw-In Hurling Podcast that Fitzgerald's men were 'extremely unlucky' not to advance from Munster.
It will probably come down to Davy himself but I see Davy coming back for year three.
"Would I have said that after the League? I'd have said he needs a good Championship to secure year three.
"I think there is no argument and he will be back. When you break down the four games it has been a very good Munster campaign for Davy Fitzgerald and his team.
"They've been extremely unlucky when you think of the lifelines Cork got to find themselves in the All-Ireland series.
"Had Waterford closed out the win against Tipp that would have been almost good enough to see them through. They were unlucky up in Ennis and beat Cork as we know.
"They were right there (against Limerick). It was a two-point game before Limerick found the gears. There are an awful lot of positives."
Mullane added that the potential return of Austin Gleeson next season mixed with the addition of more young talent could take Waterford to a new level in 2025.
A massive endorsement for Fitzgerald if he is keen to stay on for a third year with The Deise.
