Cats Meow for Three in a Row

Michael Walsh and Jamie Nagle were hopelessly outgunned at midfield, and even Ken McGrath's stalwart endeavor failed to lift the siege being exerted on Waterford's harried defense.

For neutrals, universally hoping for a Waterford breakthrough after 49 McCarthy-less years, it was disconcerting stuff. For Deise fans it was a nightmare, and the players seemed overwhelmed by either the occasion or the sheer force of the onslaught. They began to lose the basics, repeatedly taking the wrong option, simple passes going astray and though never short of effort, their confidence ebbed away.

Evidence of the bustling championship run that saw them past Offaly, Wexford and Tipp began to fade from view. Kilkenny appeared to have an extra man all over the field, but the tenacity of their defending saw Mullane, McGrath and Kelly each dispossessed when poised to strike.

Dan Shanahan, a talisman last season, failed to show. The half-forwards around him got cleaned out, with Tommy Walsh and J.J. Delaney outstanding at wing-back. Shefflin got the better of Kevin Moran, while Fitzpatrick, Lyng and Larkin snapped up points to stretch the lead.

Eddie Brennan is all about goals, and it was little surprise when he raised the first green flag. Larkin broke at pace down the right, releasing a super pass inside for Brennan to fire past Clinton Hennessy.

With the celebrations still continuing Walsh broke up a Waterford rally, setting up a move to release Aidan Fogarty on goal. Hennessy produced a magnificent save, but Brennan whipped the rebound first-time to the net. With 49 minutes still remaining it was already out of Waterford's hands, trailing 0-4 to 2-10.

They had an immediate chance to reply with a goal when Shanahan won possession on the edge of the square. He got bottled up and was unable to get a shot away before being pickpocketed, the ball cleared downfield with fearsome efficiency.

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Nster.com