Battle-hardened Cats to edge out Waterford

IT took Clare’s fighting display in their drawn Guinness All-Ireland SHC quarter-final to restore normality to the battle for the Liam McCarthy Cup.

The power of Kilkenny’s play in the previous round against Galway had been almost frightening in its intensity and it didn’t bode well for the prospects of the other contenders.

Nevertheless, while Clare did show the champions were certainly beatable, the manner in which Brian Cody’s team recovered their form - and their confidence - last week-end sent out a clear signal: They won’t be easily toppled in tomorrow’s semi-final in Croke Park!