Yesterday's hurling semi final at Croke Park was certainly the shock of the Championship (in either code) so far this year. Having deservedly dispatched Cork in last weekends replay, the Deise succumbed to their old demons at the semi-final level.
The men in green have been a revelation this year and having beaten Tipperary at the third attempt, pushed Waterford all the way in the Munster final. In fact it was goals for the Deise on that day which unfairly skewed the score late on.
As a Cork fan I was disappointed to lose to Waterford last week but I feel vindicated with regards to comments I made in earlier posts that Cork were the only team who could beat Kilkenny in an All-Ireland final. I stick by this and fear for Limerick. Yesterday was a fantastic win but 11 points is a pitiful return and one they will need to double to have any hope of taming the Cats. I don't think they can.
In truth, Waterford should have been far too strong for Limerick, but it looks like the end of the road for some of the current team. Flynn and Browne are both in their mid-30s and I suspect they will call time on their excellent careers. Maybe losing at this stage will make them give it one more year but I suspect it would be a bridge too far. Justin Mac will likely pack in too.
I will say a big thank you to Waterford for their entertainment this year. I think they have been the 2nd best team in the country and it's a shame they couldn't overcome their bogey round and face the best team on the first Sunday of September.
I'll sign them off with the best catch of the year (below) from Brick Walsh in the replay versus Cork.
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Looks like Justin MacCarthy's future as Waterford coach will be made clear by Thursday.
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