Cats Meow for Three in a Row

Kilkenny 3-30

Waterford 1-13

BEFORE presenting the Liam McCarthy Cup to winning captain Cha' Fitzpatrick for an historic three in a row, GAA President Nickey Brennan suggested this is "the best ever Kilkenny team."

The fact that Brennan is himself a proud Kilkenny man made little difference, as even the most ardent Waterford supporter in the crowd of 82,186 would have to admit this black and amber outfit is one magnificent collection of hurlers.

They ran out winners by 23 points, the third biggest margin of victory ever recorded in an All-Ireland hurling final. By halftime they had the game wrapped up, two splendid goals by Eddie Brennan inside a minute, clearing the way to an interval lead of 2-16 to 0-5.

Even before Brennan's first strike in the 20th minute Waterford's problems were so widespread that charismatic manager Davy Fitzgerald was left on the sideline scratching his head. The Decies' boss was unable to respond to the avalanche and crucially, he was already facing the fact that his charges were unprepared for the sort of starting intensity that managers like Brian Cody and Mickey Harte achieve with their players.

And so Waterford never got out of the traps. From the throw-in they were second to every ball.

Fitzpatrick and Derek Lyng dominated midfield while Kilkenny's half-backs shut off the supply on the 40. Meanwhile, Henry Shefflin started the rout with a first minute free while a shell-shocked Davy Fitz could only gasp in admiration as the Ballyhale destroyer added a gem from play 60 yards on the right touchline.

Aidan Fogarty and Eddie Brennan began to prowl in the corners and Eoin Larkin, one of Cody's underrated stars, started doing damage on the left. For the masses in blue and white, who added immeasurably to the occasion, the start was a jolt, all worst fears started coming to pass.

Eoin Kelly leveled matters with a free, and then Eoin McGrath fluffed an easy point after good work by John Mullane. Kilkenny moved up a gear, picking off points and winning every loose ball as if it was their right.

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Nster.com