Preview: All Ireland SHC S-F replay: Waterford v Kilkenny
Derek McGrath and Brian Cody pictured following the drawn game at Croke Park last Sunday.
Saturday August 13
All Ireland Senior Hurling Championship Semi-Final replay
Waterford v Kilkenny, Semple Stadium, 6.45pm
By Cian O'Connell
When a gripping game concluded thoughts immediately switched to the next instalment? Can Waterford perform with such dash again? Kilkenny’s recent record in replays, a Leinster SHC loss to Dublin in 2013 aside, is loaded with reminders about their poise and pedigree.
All Ireland finals were won second time around in 2012 and 2014 against Galway and Tipperary. Last Sunday at Croke Park Waterford posed all sorts of questions, but Brian Cody’s charges had the resources and resolve to survive.
While Waterford left GAA headquarters with a strange cocktail of feelings Noel Connors took significant encouragement from how the Deise hurled throughout a fascinating encounter.
“It is something Derek (McGrath) has spoken about for the past three years, to be resilient, to be proud of who you are and to work as a unit, and ultimately it will work out.”
Three points up in the closing stages Waterford struck a couple of shots wide late on. “You are always going to get that, it is just part and parcel of the Championship,” Connors reflected about the tight and tense finish. “You are never going to get every ball over the bar.
“You just get back out to your position and hopefully you'll get more scores from a hook or a block. That is what your mentality is about more than dwelling on a wide.”
Walter Walsh and Noel Connors in action at Croke Park.
Like most summer campaigns Kilkenny are standard bearers: the striped team everybody wants to beat. For all of Waterford’s industry and flashes of inspiration Connors’ didn’t agree it was the Deise’s most complete display. “I wouldn't say that it was one of our best. There are certainly areas we need to improve on. We went a small bit defensive during the last five minutes.
“It is great to be back into a semi-final replay, it is something that we will relish. If you look at any sport you are always going to get a period when you are getting bet or there is a couple of points in it. There is always going to be an opportunity for the other team to grasp an opportunity. Kilkenny are an incredible side and they have been for the last 15 years.
“We always knew a bit of pressure was going to come on us. I think that we handled it quite well from being a point down to going a point up.
“In fairness they got a point, but it is great to be in this position. It is great to be looking forward to a replay against possibly the best team to have ever graced a hurling field.”
Reaching an All Ireland final on September 4 remains the objective for Waterford and Kilkenny. Who will return to Croke Park?
