Waterford v Limerick: Waterford have been doing their best to resist the public mood of jubilant expectation fast building in the county. Last week's win over Cork didn't trigger much celebration, just relief, and by seven o'clock the team were on the bus heading home.
Sober assessors of Waterford's progress this season are worried by tomorrow's Guinness All-Ireland hurling semi-final and even spooked by the possibility of losing a fifth semi-final in 10 years.
Since the Munster final the state of the parties has altered. Tomorrow it's Waterford who are undertaking a third successive weekend's action whereas their opponents are rested.
Limerick are also stronger with the return of Damien Reale and forward Seán O'Connor, neither of whom played in Thurles seven weeks ago.
Reale's speed and ability to strike on the move has been honed as a club forward and represents a formidable addition to the defence. O'Connor's ball winning and finishing ability are a further asset and Limerick will remember that high ball led to Brian Begley's goal in Thurles.
Against that there were signs last week that Waterford have repaired the leaks in the full back line that had led to the concession of seven goals in three matches. Last week's shutout featured a good display from Declan Prendergast although it's valid to take account of Cork's shortcomings on the day.
The Munster final was notable for Ken McGrath's defensive discipline against Ollie Moran, who at that stage was coming off certain All Star performances against Tipperary.
To get an edge tomorrow Richie Bennis's team need quicker ball into the inside line, as turning the match into a ball-winning contest with Waterford's half backs is pointless.
Jack Kennedy's back in the Munster champions' side but where he'll fit in remains to be seen given that Eoin Kelly's best form has come at centrefield from where he gave a hard-working and - in a positive way - unobtrusive display last week, dropping back to pick up and clear ball.
There's been much talk about Waterford's new-found maturity and unflappability but this is the test. Finishing matches strongly is both a tribute to trainer Gerry Fitzpatrick and the growing belief in the team. The one thing Justin McCarthy's team haven't done to date is reach an All-Ireland final.
Everything suggests that barrier will fall.
In the last episode: As has become their invariable practice, Waterford finished the Munster final very strongly to chalk up a flattering nine-point win with Dan Shanahan scoring 3-3.
You bet: Despite Limerick being in a stronger position than in the Munster final their odds have drifted since then. The replay defeat of Cork has Waterford available at 1-4 with Limerick at 10-3 and the draw 11-1. On the handicap Limerick +5 are 11-10 with Waterford -5 at evens.
On your marks: Dan Shanahan's lethal form has created a major piece of artillery for Waterford but also a dependency. Granted no other team has such a spread of proven goal scorers but it's time for John Mullane and Séamus Prendergast to find form.
Gaining ground: Before the quarter-final Limerick hadn't beaten a top-eight county in the championship at Croke Park since 1973 whereas Waterford have won only three of their last nine championship matches at the venue.
Just the ticket: A limited number of terrace tickets at €30 remain on sale while stocks last.
Crystal gazing: Waterford have momentum, better quality players and greater experience. Nothing's impossible but it would be a catastrophe for them to lose.
LIMERICK: B Murray; D Reale (capt.), S Lucey, S Hickey; P Lawlor, B Geary, M Foley; D O'Grady, M O'Brien; M Fitzgerald, O Moran, S O'Connor; D Ryan, B Begley, A O'Shaughnessy.
WATERFORD: C Hennessy; E Murphy, D Prendergast, B Phelan; T Browne, K McGrath, A Kearney; M Walsh (capt.), E Kelly; S Molumphy, S Prendergast, P Flynn; J Kennedy, D Shanahan, J Mullane.
Referee: Séamus Roche (Tipperary).
Waterford hurling great Tom Cheasty passes away
On a vital weekend for Waterford hurling the county has been saddened by the passing of one of its greatest players, Tom Cheasty. Born in 1934 he played on the team that won the county's last All-Ireland in 1959 and was also on the last team to reach an All-Ireland, 44 years ago.
A member of the Ballyduff-Portlaw club, his position was centre forward where his strength going forward made him a regular scorer. He got two goals in the 1959 win over Kilkenny. He also won three Munster championships, one National League, five Railway Cup medals and five county titles with his club, the last in 1977
His National League medal wasn't presented for over 30 years, as he had fallen victim to the notorious "Ban" after attending a dance organised by a local soccer club and was suspended after the 1963 NHL home final against Tipperary although he was back in time for that year's All-Ireland final.
GAA President Nickey Brennan described Tom Cheasty as a modest man who was one of the all-time great hurlers and whose dynamism and strength on the field of play were the hallmarks of a great leader.
He expressed his condolences on behalf of everybody in the GAA to the family, friends and former team-mates of Tom Cheasty.
A minute's silence in honour of his memory will be observed at Croke Park before tomorrow's Waterford v Limerick All-Ireland semi-final. ... - SM
