Kilkenny were down and out. Eight points behind to a Waterford side who were firing on all cylinders. But people forget - never ever write a Brian Cody side off. Cats have nine lives. Kilkenny used all nine of their's by clawing themselves back to force extra time.
Yes, they were helped by Waterford taking 11 minutes to score in the second half - and then not being able to find a point for the last 16 minutes. Maurice Shanahan had the opportunity to hand Waterford their first Championship win over Kilkenny since 1959. However, he shanked a last minute free wide to take it to an additional 20 minutes.
In extra time, the Deise woke up. Jamie Barron's excellent solo goal and Maurice Shanahan's three-pointer finally killed off Kilkenny. Derek McGrath's side ran out as seven point winners after an absolute thriller.
Twitter was enthralled with the action.
Kilkenny - the cockroaches of hurling. They just won't die, instead they multiply.
— Kevin Doyle (@KevDoyle_Indo) July 8, 2017
Jesus you'd need garlic, a crucifix and a stake thro the ❤️ to kill Kilkenny😵 fair dues #KKvWAT
— clíona foley (@ponyyelof) July 8, 2017
Delighted I left #KKvWAT with 8 mins to go to beat the traffic 🙄
— Richie Sadlier (@RichieSadlier) July 8, 2017
Goal! Surely be to all that is good in Heaven, that has to be it! #waterford #KKvWat
— Anthony O'Donovan 🇺🇦 (@anthonyodonovan) July 8, 2017
It looked like Dan the way Maurice Shanahan ran #KKVWAT the decisive score surely
— Matt Cooper (@cooper_m) July 8, 2017
Just let this game keep on going until it gets dark. Don't want it to end. #KKvWAT
— Kenneth Swords (@KennethSwords) July 8, 2017
Waterford now advances to an All-Ireland quarter-final against Wexford or Clare on July 23rd, while Kilkenny must lick their wounds after their first ever qualifier exit.
Tipperary will also be in that draw after they absolutely demolished Dublin by double scores - 6-26 to 1-19.
