Life can be cruel. After proving beyond any doubt that they are now at the zenith of their powers, Waterford get stung by the most arduous of draws that will require them to overcome Tipperary, Cork and probably Kilkenny, and most likely in that order, to win the All-Ireland.

But more on that later. Although it went fairly much to script, I really enjoyed this Munster final. The buzz amongst the crowd was a thrilling experience. I expected this battle -hardened Limerick side to hang in there but, again, their failings in front of goal at crucial periods proved their undoing. That problem won't go away any time soon.

Either way, Waterford are the better team with a scoring arsenal only equalled by Kilkenny. They deserved this Munster title and attained it in a more commanding fashion than their previous two provincial wins this century.

The manner in which they have maintained their high standards since the league semi-final leaves no doubt that they have matured into a superpower capable of disrupting the current status quo.

What summed it up for me was their performance during that critical period midway through the second-half. Eoin Kelly and Ken McGrath missed frees while Paul Flynn put a great goal chance wide. In reply, Limerick tacked on a few scores down the other end. The fate that Tipperary experienced against Limerick looked to be visiting Waterford until their big name players lived up to their reputations.

Flynn struck an excellent pressure free before John Mullane delivered two hugely impressive points, one he created all on his own with a fine catch. And then Dan Shanahan decimated Limerick's brave resistance down the home stretch. He was magnificent.

Before this revival it genuinely looked to be slipping away especially after Flynn's missed goal chance.

The Waterford management must be credited for intervening and moving Eoin Kelly out the field.

Suddenly Brick Walsh began to dominate at midfield where Donal O'Grady had previously been in control. Crucially though, Kelly's deeper role provided space inside for Dan, Mullane and Eoin McGrath (who played yet another impressive impact role).

Also, Seamus Prendergast began to get the better of a tiring Brian Geary at centre back.

Waterford's ultimate strength is several of their players can play in several positions with equal comfort.

In contrast, during this vital 10 minute period, Limerick completely lost their shape. The decision to play two on two in the full back line was ruthlessly exposed by Shanahan.

Limerick had their chances early on, most notably Barry Foley and Brian Begley - who looked certain to score a goal before Clinton Hennessy intervened (although this was topped by a Brian Murray stop down the other end from Flynn. As good a reaction save as I've ever seen.). Still, Limerick showed admirable resilience after Shanahan's first goal with Ollie Moran and Kevin Tobin bringing matters back to three points. This was followed up by a string of poor wides.

That is the only criticism of them because they ensured a game of savage intensity. A dog got onto the pitch at one stage which John Mullane ushered to the sideline. A person beside me noted it was a brave dog to be running onto the field considering the ferocity of the physical exchanges.

The referee played a positive role in proceedings by letting pretty much everything go. The match was played in a good spirit and he realised this, but there were a couple of frees that he should have awarded.

Just as the dust was settling on a fine day's work, the quarter-final draw delivered the most difficult passage to September hurling (as an aside, thank God we don't have another Clare v Wexford tie).

I was in Parnell Park on Saturday to watch Tipperary beat Dublin and Babs Keating's team seems to have gone backwards since the Limerick trilogy. They look tired and will struggle to trouble Cork next weekend. Although Tipp will unearth some reserves for an All-Ireland quarter-final against Waterford.

Cork should be waiting in the semi-final with Kilkenny almost a sure thing to progress through the other side with only Limerick, Clare and Galway for company. Watching the meeting of the latter two in Ennis it became apparent that Galway haven't made any progress yet under Ger Loughnane. They are an unsettled team, not ready to be called All-Ireland contenders. They may even struggle in Casement Park against Antrim next weekend.

Limerick could yet reach an All-Ireland semi-final where their shooting deficiencies will face the sternest test of all. Waterford remain on course but they could have done with avoiding one of the big two.