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Liam Blanchfield claims the sliothar for Kilkenny in the dying moments of the game. Donall Farmer/INPHO
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5 talking points after Kilkenny march on and Waterford bow out in Thurles thriller

Plenty to digest after the Semple Stadium showdown.

1. That epic finale

Waterford had gradually chiselled away at Kilkenny’s lead during the second-half and deep in injury-time, were handed the opportunity to force extra-time. Pauric Mahony – the man-of-the-match after a sterling display of marksmanship last Sunday – sized up the free from 70 yards but while his accuracy was correct, distance was a problem.

The ball still looked on the cusp of dropping over only for Kilkenny goalkeeper Eoin Murphy to rise and pluck the ball down over his crossbar. Richie Hogan added the insurance point moments later and Waterford were crestfallen. A decade on from Cork’s Donal Óg Cusack batting away a late desperate attempt from a free by Ken McGrath in an All-Ireland semi-final, Waterford were foiled again.

2. Kilkenny generate the necessary replay improvement

Brian Cody may have felt his team were outfought in last Sunday’s drawn game and they were relieved to escape from Croke Park, still retaining an interest in the 2016 hurling season. But they gratefully seized the second chance last night, generating the improvement necessary to ensure they were victorious in the replay.

Kilkenny brought a greater urgency to their play in the middle third, applying pressure on Waterford shooters that wasn’t as evident last Sunday. They didn’t just need TJ Reid’s point-taking for sustenance either. Colin Fennelly was a menace as he netted twice. Walter Walsh did his bit in setting those goals up.

Richie Hogan’s point-taking was again key. Liam Blanchfield produced an eye-catching debut in attack. Kilkenny’s performance level went up a couple of notches and that was the difference.

3. Waterford’s resolve unquestionable but that’s no consolation

They died with their boots on but a display of tremendous character and resolve won’t numb the pain for the Waterford hurling camp. For the second successive year, the All-Ireland semi-final has proved the barrier they have smacked into as their 2016 campaign ended.

Last Sunday they were pegged back at the finish line, last night Waterford were forced to chase the game. It was a testament to their resolve that they hung in there during the second-half, whittling away a five-point lead at one stage to draw level with Jamie Barron’s sublime 69th minute point.

Waterford did so much right – even curing their goalscoring ills. Austin Gleeson was again magnificent, Michael Walsh and Jamie Barron were not far behind while Maurice Shanahan added some important heft in the finale to their forward line.

Their tallies of 0-24 and 2-17 over two games against Kilkenny are striking. But neither proved a match-winning number of the scoreboard.

4. Another August hurling cracker

When the league concluded in a blaze of drama in May with Tony Kelly’s brilliant match-winner for Clare. Semple Stadium was the setting that day and it seemed then that the tone was set for a riveting hurling summer.

After that game the Thurles venue has hosted seven senior hurling championship games but how many were memorable? You could make persuasive arguments for Wexford-Cork and Galway-Clare being engaging at times but only up to a point. The fare in Thurles has been sterile and that’s reflected the 2016 season.

Last Sunday we had the first truly great hurling game of the summer – not that the competition has been fierce – and when Kilkenny and Waterford renewed acquaintances in Thurles last night, it was equally as exciting, fascinating and gripping.

It evoked memories of the 2013 thriller between the counties, again Waterford refused to quit and again Kilkenny just eked out a victory. The two-game saga has provided rich entertainment.

5. Kilkenny enter another final but under an injury cloud

Success last night leaves Kilkenny’s All-Ireland hurling final record glowing that bit more. They have now reached 16 out of the last 19 September deciders and 15 of those have been under Brian Cody’s watch. It’s a tribute to their phenomenal consistency. The narrative last night’s game once more illustrated their refusal to wilt.

The joy at winning was tempered by the sight of a talisman being stretchered off. Michael Fennelly’s participation on 4 September looks to be in grave doubt after he suffered an Achilles tendon injury in the 59th minute.

Fennelly has been through the physical wars and this latest injury setback is a grave personal blow. His improved form last night demonstrated what a potential loss he would be.

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Setback for Kilkenny as Fennelly suffers Achilles tendon injury in Semple showdown

Dalton goal from sideline sees Kilkenny advance to final after extra time

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