The Waterford hurlers will be without long-serving goalkeeper Stephen O'Keeffe for the 2021 inter-county season.
Ballygunner netminder O'Keeffe lit up the All-Ireland SHC final with a brilliant double save from Limerick duo Kyle Hayes and Cian Lynch in the 12th minute.
It was a cameo that highlighted his exceptional ball-stopping ability, but it wasn't enough to end the Deise's long wait to lift the Liam MacCarthy Cup as Limerick secured a second title in three years, having already beaten Waterford in the Munster decider.
And now Liam Cahill's hopes of guiding the county back to the business end of the championship next summer have been hit by O'Keeffe's decision to step away from the panel after almost a decade.
O'Keeffe, 29, made his debut in a National Hurling League defeat to Wexford in February 2011 and, six years later, won his only All-Star to date in the same year that Waterford were beaten by Galway in the All-Ireland final.
A statement from the Waterford county board reads: "Stephen O'Keeffe has informed the Waterford management team he is taking some time out and will be unavailable for the 2021 season.
"We would like to take this opportunity to thank Stephen who has given fantastic service to Waterford Hurling over the last 10 years".
