Don't close book on Limerick just yet

Waterford may be raging hot favourites with the bookmakers but I would be significantly less confident about the end result.

Granted, they have been excellent this year, developing a maturity and poise not previously seen from this crop of players. They won several close league encounters, including the national final to lay a solid foundation for the rigours of the Munster championship. In the provincial final, against Limerick, they moved away, almost seamlessly, in the last 10 minutes due to superior fitness and advanced scoring options.

It's been a remarkable journey. When they were four points down against Cork, entering the final minute of the All-Ireland quarter-final, they survived and what's more they won comfortably in the replay.

Added dimensions have come from Stephen Molumphy and Aidan Kearney solidifying their places in the team. They are both no nonsense players on similar lines to Ken McGrath and veteran Tony Browne. Brian Phelan was also effective at wing back the last day. Eoin McGrath is another important feature off the bench.

With the exception of the drawn Cork game, the goalkeeper Clinton Hennessy and fullback line have performed on a level above any other Waterford last line in recent times. They were due one poor day. The authority had returned by the replay.

They are deserving favourites but Waterford would be happy leaving Croke Park tomorrow evening with any sort of victory.

This is a dangerous game. People filing out of the stadium last Sunday couldn't but talk about the prospect of a Waterford v Kilkenny All-Ireland final. After so many years of hurt, beating Cork was a huge release.

Waterford have visibly evolved this summer into a team on the cusp of greatness. Limerick have gone from also-rans to contenders. They should be respected, feared even.

They have achieved enormous progress since Clare hammered them in last year's qualifiers. The Tipperary trilogy was the main area of advancement as it cemented a bond between the players, management and supporters. That is a powerful combination, particularly amongst Limerick sporting folk.

Although they lost convincingly in the end, Limerick came out of the Munster final with plenty of credit. Remember, they were coming off the back of three draining games with Tipperary. The shoe is on the other foot now as Cork will have drained Waterford's reserves.

And the Limerick hurling pedigree remains strong. Many of these players have under-21 All-Ireland medals.

Richie Bennis has often harked back to a defining meeting the squad held after suffering a heavy defeat to Kilkenny during the league. Some home truths were laid out and the players, collectively it seems, decided to knuckle down for the remainder of the season.

The reward for their endeavour is confidence. Clare might not be All-Ireland contenders but the assured hurling Limerick produced to dispatch them was a step forward from their Munster campaign (the quick measured ball out to the wings was most notable). They took their chances against Clare but they will need yet another gear.

It will be a lot closer than most people think but Waterford's forward arsenal should guide them into a first final in 44 years.

Mike Fitzgerald has improved the Limerick scoring ratio but it is in this area that they will struggle to stay apace. It's crucial that Ollie Moran rediscovers the form of the middle Tipperary encounter to ensure they maintain a high scoring return.

Waterford have Dan Shanahan. When it comes to goals they may are over-reliant on the big man but Dan has been outstanding all year. The form of Paul Flynn has also been steadily improving until last Sunday, while John Mullane and Eoin Kelly have made major contributions at vital periods.

Seamus Prendergast hasn't been at his best in recent games so his return to form is required if they are to win the All-Ireland.

Limerick defenders will relish the challenge. They are a fearsome unit with Damien Reale's return a bonus; Seamus Hickey has been a revelation, while Stephen Lucey and Brian Geary are fantastic defenders.

The Croke Park factor doesn't give either side a huge advantage as both teams have recently conquered a run of defeats at GAA headquarters.

I expect a tighter match than the Munster final but still see this ultra-fit Waterford team finishing stronger. Their mental fortitude will be tested to the extreme after the two draining Cork matches. Waterford to prove their maturity yet again.