Mullane Waterford's hero at the death

GAA – Munster SHC Waterford 3-15 Limerick 3-14: This game was on a knife edge all afternoon and could have gone either way. As it turned out it was John Mullane who became the hero as his final minute goal ensured Waterford a place in next month's Munster final.

There were star performances all over the pitch but Mullane’s closing act of a pulsating encounter gave the Deise a tilt at another provincial final where they will take on either Tipperary of Clare in the July 10th showpiece.

For long periods it looked as though Limerick would get over the line, especially with full forward Kevin Downes playing a lead role. Downes offered genuine hope as he scored two second half goals by which point it was anyone’s guess how this match would end.

However, whenever Mullane’s strike found the back of the net there was no time for Limerick to respond and Waterford manager Davy Fitzgerald was typically defiant after the final whistle.

“I’ll take any win I can get to tell you the truth. I never thought we were going to be beaten,” said Fitzgerald despite needing a goal in the dying seconds.

“There’s great stuff in these lads. The only thing about today is we gave up soft goals. Can’t do that but we’ll have a look at that and see what the story is.

“We still have a lot of things to work on, we won’t concede as easy goals the next time,” added the winning manager, who was happy some of his young guns got a taste of championship hurling.

“Listen this is a young team, there were five fellas out there making their debut today. To come out of a battle like that is unreal.

“We’re back to another final, this team simply won’t give up. Whatever they say about us, this team won’t give up.”

Elsewhere Armagh were surprise 0-14 to 1-10 winners over Down in the Ulster SHC semi-final.

Sunday's Results

Connacht SFC semi-final
Leitrim 0-06 Roscommon 2-13

Leinster SFC quarter-final
Carlow 0-14 Louth 0-13

Ulster SFC quarter-final
Cavan 1-08 Donegal 2-14

Munster SHC semi-final
Waterford 3-15 Limerick 3-14

Ulster SHC semi-final
Down 1-10 Armagh 0-14