GAA – SHC Waterford 2-23 Galway 2-13:Waterford may have felt all the world was against them after their Munster final defeat but they answered their critics in spades with today's demolition of Galway in the second SHC quarter-final at Semple Stadium.
Granted, Waterford were as good as Galway were poor, but Davy Fitzgerald’s side can only beat what’s put in front of them; a feat they managed in some style and a 10-point winning margin.
Their reward is a date with favourites Kilkenny on August 7th but it’s a challenge Waterford will relish, for they’re at their best when backs are against the wall.
Dublin and Tipperary will contest the other semi-final the following weekend (August 14th).
The opening exchanges saw Shane Walsh fire the opening goal for Waterford in the first minute. When Joe Canning responded for Galway from the spot, there was no telling how this second game of the Semple Stadium double-bill would play out.
By half-time there was still no telling the outcome as Waterford held a narrow 1-09 to 1-07 lead. As Fitzgerald made his way down the tunnel it was as if he had played out the half, so engrossed and involved was he from the sideline.
Tommy Ryan got on the scoresheet with Waterford’s second goal after the break, as did Aidan Harte for Galway. However, with Waterford's dominant second half display there was only ever going to be one outcome.
For Fitzgerald, his backroom team and players today's actions spoke louder than words.
“Great game, I suppose we got two weeks to make up for the Munster final (defeat to Tipperary 0-19 to 7-19). We worked very hard as we didn’t do ourselves justice in the Munster final,” said a defiant Fitzgerald.
“I think today we went out and showed what we’re really about. Just delighted for the boys, nothing to do with me, it’s the boys out on the field. They played with heart and courage, hats off to them.
“There was no point hiding away from what happened to us in Cork (Munster final). The boys lived through the hurt and went out today and gave it everything.
“I’m so proud because to get a knock like two week’s ago then come back is massive. Galway are no bad team. The question now is where we go from here and now that we face one of the best teams ever in hurling.”
Defending champions Cork to meet Mayo
GAA - SFC Quarter-final draw:The draw for the All-Ireland SFC quarter-final was made this evening with defending champions Cork to take on Mayo.
Munster champions Kerry will meet Limerick, who were last gasp winners over Wexford last night.
Ulster champions Donegal will play Ciaran McGeeney’s Kildare, who were impressive in their qualifier victory over Derry yesterday.
The final match-up sees Dublin wait to play the winner of Tyrone versus Roscommon.
Dates and times will be confirmed by the GAA's CCCC in the coming days, with matches scheduled for weekend of July 30th-31st.
SFC Quarter-final draw
Kerry v Limerick
Donegal v Kildare
Dublin v Tyrone/Roscommon
Cork v Mayo
SFC Semi-final draw
Kerry/Limerick v Cork/Mayo
Dublin/Tyrone or Roscommon v Donegal/Kildare