It started out as a year full of hope for Waterford.
In 2015 they won the league and made an All-Ireland semi-final, losing to Kilkenny. They didn't summit the mountain, but they got close. There was real reason for optimism.
That optimism continued in this season's league where they made the final, though Tony Kelly heroics and then a barrage of Clare goals in a replay would prevent them from winning consecutive titles. Their conveyor belt of young talent also continued to produce with Patrick Curran and Shane Bennett becoming starters while Austin Gleeson further progressed.
Then, in a Munster semi-final it looked like it had all come together for Derek McGrath and his panel. In the third part of their 2016 trilogy against Clare, they defeated their rivals by seven points.
Heading into the final against Tipp at the weekend - their sixth decider in eight years - there was real cause to think the Deise could be about to win their first Munster crown since 2010.
Then, owing to John McGrath, Seamus Callanan and Co., Waterford hopes were crushed.
It is a familiar feeling for many GAA fans - mounting hope only for it the be wiped away in the raising of several green flags.
In today's Irish Times, one Waterford fan encapsulated the feelings of many drought-hit counties.
There is a glimmer of hope for that Waterford fan. While the universe does not have a back door, the Championships does.
Waterford face an inconsistent Wexford side in an All-Ireland quarter-final in 12 days.
Photo by Ray McManus/Sportsfile
