Kilkenny 2-23 Waterford 3-15:Henry Shefflin was the star of the show as Kilkenny remain on course for four-in-a-row after they came through an absorbing encounter to deny Waterford 2-23 to 3-15 at Croke Park and book their place in the All-Ireland SHC final where they will take on either Tipperary or Limerick.
Waterford’s performance compared to their meeting in last year’s final was night and day as they stepped up to the plate and took on the Cats at their own high- tempo game. On another day their 3-15 tally could easily have won.
Despite goals from Shane Walsh, Eoin Kelly and John Mullane scoring his 100th point in championship hurling it wasn’t enough for the Déise, who at least put behind them the humiliating 23-point defeat against Kilkenny 12 months ago.
Shefflin was at his imperious best as he toyed with the opposition defence all day, helping himself to a 1-14 tally with 1-6 coming from open play.
Waterford found the net after just five minutes when Kevin Moran drove through the middle before slipping the ball to Shane Walsh, who finished with composure past PJ Ryan.
Shefflin was instrumental in Eddie Brennan 13th minute goal when collecting a long-range effort from Jackie Tyrell before slipping the ball to Brennan, who beat Clinton Hennessy from a tight angle.
Eoin Larkin floated over a couple of points, and after 20 minutes Brian Cody’s men eased into a 1-7 to 1-3 lead.
Waterford’s main hit-man John Mullane found the going difficult as the Cats never game him time to settle. James ‘Cha’ Fitzpatrick controlled midfield while Tyrrell, JJ Delaney and Brian Hogan were rock solid at the back.
That said Waterford were determined and they plucked further scores through Moran and four Kelly frees.
The Kilkenny pressure never went away and their second goal came in the 26th minute, through another long delivery. Tommy Walsh's punt reached Shefflin, who instinctively fired a first-time effort into the back of the net.
It meant Kilkenny went into the break 2-12 to 1-9 ahead. Fitzgerald’s side wouldn’t lie down though and Walsh caught the Kilkenny defence napping as he secured his second goal.
Cody then replaced Shefflin with Richie Hogan so he could change his boots but came back to fire over his fourth converted free.
Waterford responded through scores from Kelly and substitute Dan Shanahan and were still very much in the contest when Kelly's ‘65 flew straight into the net to narrow the gap to four points just after the hour mark.
But Shefflin simply racked up the scores and was inspired throughout the afternoon, a performance not wasted on his manager.
“It was a tense game, it was outstanding stuff from both sides all the way through,” said Kilkenny manager after the game.
“Waterford were terrific today, they played the way we know they can, especially after the disappointment of last year.
“Henry Shefflin was outstanding as he tends to be. He sets his standards so high and his sheer commitment
“There were so many good aspects to today’s performance. I’m delighted as we all know that the big prize was the final where it’ll be either Tipperary or Limerick,” added Cody.
Fitzgerald struggled to contain his disappointment but had nothing but praise for his players, especially after they were rounded on after last year’s humiliating performance.
“It’s not good enough to just restore pride,” said Fitzgerald. “I’m not happy with the two goals we gave away.
“That said we showed a lot of character, especially after all the rubbish that was written about us after last year’s final. But we simply can’t give away silly goals, not against Kilkenny.”
“Credit to all the lads, they’ve worked so hard and unfortunately we had no Ken McGrath today, he would have made a real difference.
“But you can’t take it away from Kilkenny and Brian Cody, they’re great champions, they work so hard.
“Someday someone will beat them and I only hope I am there when it happens,” concluded Fitzgerald trying to force a smile after another disappointing day.
Kilkenny: PJ Ryan, M Kavanagh, JJ Delaney, J Tyrrell, T Walsh, B Hogan, J Tennyson, J Fitzpatrick (0-1), M Rice (0-1), H Shefflin (1-14, 7f, 1 '65), M Comerford, E Larkin (0-2), E Brennan (1-2), R Power (0-1), A Fogarty (0-1).
Subs: TJ Reid for Comerford (40), R Hogan for Shefflin (44), Shefflin for Hogan (45), Hogan (0-1) for Fogarty (47), D Lyng for Fitzpatrick (56).
Waterford: C Hennessy, E Murphy, A Kearney, N Connors, T Browne, M Walsh, D Prendergast, S O'Sullivan (0-1,f), K Moran (0-1), S Prendergast (0-1), S Molumphy, S Walsh (2-0), J Mullane (0-1), E Kelly (1-9, 1-0 '6, 0-7f), E McGrath (0-1).
Subs: D Shanahan (0-1) for S Prendergast (52), M Shanahan for Walsh (61), J Nagle for Molumphy (61), K McGrath for E McGrath (64).
Referee: B Kelly (Westmeath).