Battle-hardened Cats to edge out Waterford
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!
Justin McCarthy argues that Waterford’s previous semi-final games - against Kilkenny in 1998 and Clare two years ago - are largely irrelevant; but it’s interesting to reflect on the circumstances at the time. Six years ago Waterford lost the Munster final replay to Clare after a stormy encounter and qualified for the All-Ireland series as provincial losers. They knocked out Galway in the quarter-final and, without really playing to their best failed by a single point against Kilkenny. In my view, they would have won with something to spare but for a brilliant display of corner-back play from Willie O’Connor.
Two years ago they went forward as proud Munster champions - after widespread celebrations around the county and under the handicap of having to wait six weeks before they played Clare. In that game, they lost by only three points.
This season they achieved the distinction of beating Cork in a Munster final for the first time since 1963. But, the manner of their victory was what earned them respect, in the way they recovered from a poor start to finish stronger. Likewise, it took a lot of self-belief for them to overtake Tipperary, after they looked beaten until substitute Paul O’Brien produced an excellent injury-time goal.
On the face of it, Justin McCarthy’s team has a better chance of making it to the final than on either of the last two occasions. The only problem is there’s no guarantee that their long lay-off won’t hinder them. And, of course, Kilkenny remain formidable opposition and must have an advantage in match fitness.
Against Galway, they produced a standard of hurling that no other team has so far reached. On the other hand, questions can be asked about their ability to take on a major challenge for the third week-end in a row. And, there’s the question relating to Henry Shefflin’s medical clearance to play after the eye injury he sustained in Thurles last Saturday.
Shefflin was with the team in the dressing room after training on Wednesday night and when I met with him, he was confident of playing. However, Brian Cody has made it perfectly clear that it will be down to the doctor whether he plays or not. Even if he does not start, there is the possibility he could be introduced and it’s not hard to imagine the impact that would have.
Without him, there’s no doubt that Kilkenny’s chances of winning would be lessened. Correspondingly, the harsh reality is that it would boost Waterford hopes of getting to their first final in almost 40 years - even if they themselves are handicapped by the absence of John Mullane.
Apart from the character Waterford have shown and the obvious maturity in their play, their goal-scoring ability has been immense - ten from three games. Dan Shanahan, enjoying his most successful season ever, has led the charge with six. It’s what earns the team such respect.
To be frank, I find it difficult to oppose them because of their form in Munster and that penchant for coming up with goals at the right time. However, I believe Kilkenny are stronger all round for a number of reasons; the principal one being they have a far more reliable goalkeeper in the brilliant James McGarry. It’s not a major surprise that Stephen Brenner has lost out to Ian O’Regan because at times he has not inspired confidence.
Kilkenny’s greater match fitness gives them an edge. Ultimately, it may be the decisive factor.
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