I was on holidays in Waterford last week as I typically am this time every year. Iâve never seen it as low key and downbeat before their by now almost annual semi final appearance. They tend to be an excitable enough lot of supporters. The last time I recall it so low key before a semi final was 2008 after the hiding from Clare in Munster and the putsch against Justin McCarthy. The build up to the final in 2008 as you said was nuts.
Walter Walsh is the most improved Hurler in the country imo.
I honestly donât know how yeâll handle him in the final @flattythehurdler, maybe Mannion ?
Probably right.
Westmeath quietened Kilkenny 
Interesting piece with Derek McGrath on Newstalk now
I was hoping to look smug after this match⌠the lack of goals did prove crucial in the end. They really could have put the game to bed if they had even got one.
Whatâs he saying?
Very clever and astute manager.
Michael Fennelly was a shadow of his former self today. Bounced around by Waterford tackles on several occasions. Fogarty, Joyce, TJ all very quiet in general play as well.
Unlucky
Jamie Barron and Philip Mahony were outstanding today.
Well, I hope @Fagan_ODowd was in Croker today and got to enjoy that game.
Sign in Fagan and let us know youâre alive.
Can Kilkenny find more energy than they showed today? Waterford outlasted them as much as anything in the physical stakes. Can see Waterford being at that pitch again, but weâve seen Kilkenny on a much higher level in the recent past.
Kk were dreadful today. Fully rattled, and Waterford decided ten minutes out to do a Galway on it. Kk unlikely to be as bad. I expect them to win fairly well, but if wd finally get a goal, who knows.
Wd certainly have the hurlers to win, and win well
âHurling people were crying out for a game like that.â
The sweat is running off Ken McGrath