Waterford steamroll their way back into contention

Two tales from the city. Waterford's crazy summer winds on, this time after a Sunday in Dublin where they steamed past an insipid Galway side who again failed to deliver on earnest promises and sweet ability.

Earlier, Offaly rolled up their sleeves against Antrim and booked a semi-final spot. No-one even blinked.

All eyes were on Gerald McCarthy's side, eager to see if they had recovered from last week's mauling against Clare. "The spirit's broke," whispered some.

If anything, it has become more formidable. Anthony Kirwan lined out at centre forward still grieving at the loss of his grandmother, who is to be buried today. His team-mates voiced their appreciation through their hurling.

Tony Browne somehow shook off the bruising and lethargy of a week ago to once again lord over all at midfield, ferocious in the loose and coldly unerring from dead-ball situations. He bagged seven points.

They had travelled from the west with fresh faith only to be left distraught once more. Before the game, a young fella in a maroon shirt skipped into the VIP box in search of autographs. Bertie Ahern signed. So, too, did Jean Kennedy Smith. Ted Kennedy penned his name. For some reason, the child skipped by GAA president Joe McDonagh. Maybe he thought he'd need the space for Galway players.

But idols in maroon were thin on the ground. Waterford memories of last Sunday's grim Munster decider were thoroughly exorcised after nine minutes when Sean Daly, loitering around the square, doubled on a Tony Browne 65. The Decies hardly looked back and went on to blitz Galway.

In a miserable first half for Cyril Farrell's men, Joe Rabbitte stood like a lone beacon, an isolated threat. Just before half-time, Browne and Fergal Hartley hauled him to the ground as he raided goal. Darragh Coen fluffed the penalty. Waterford were up 1-9 to 0-4 at the break.

And there was no defiant second half riposte from Galway. They struggled ineffectively, despite a late goal from Liam Burke - which, it transpired, hit the net and went through a hole in the back of it. Little consolation as Waterford won 1-20 to 1-10.

"I felt we were in the right frame of mind coming in here, that we would bounce back from last week," offered Waterford manager Gerald McCarthy afterwards. "But I wasn't sure about Galway's state of mind and whether all the games we played might catch up with us. It was in the melting point, but it went our way in the end."

They left the capital, belief soaring again.

Offaly departed as winners also, but with a less jubilant mind-set. As expected, they dispensed of a brave Antrim side with comfort, finishing 2-18 to 2-9 victors despite a late goal by John Carson.

As they left the field, they all but shuddered at the prospect of facing Clare. "We'll need a greatly improved performance to have any chance, because Clare are extremely strong and very fit and they won't be giving the sort of space we got out there today," said Joe Dooley.

But they're stubborn, these Offaly men. All summer, they have been written off and yet they'll be turning up for the semi-final party anyway. While they match up against Clare, Waterford will go eyeball to eyeball with Kilkenny. Things are hotting up.