In a game that had all the hallmarks of a true Championship Classic, Waterford have defied the odds to overcome Tipperary in the semi-final 1-12 to 1-11 and reach their first All-Ireland final since 1945 - and their jubilant celebrations after the final whistle were absolutely wild.
In what were scrappy conditions, Waterford and Tipperary delivered a true championship classic, trading blow for blow from start to finish as Waterford tried to defy the odds and reach their first All-Ireland final in 78 years.
When Waterford went in at the break they trailed by just a single point after a tolling first half, which saw them answer every single question Tipperary asked of them. However, despite their gallant fighting, Waterford couldn't do enough to take the lead.
That trend continued well into the second half, with Tipperary clinching the lead against the flow of the game. Eventually, after 45 minutes, Waterford utilised their momentum and took control of the game for the first time in the All-Ireland semi-final. Moments later, they had advanced their lead to two points.
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Waterford lead for the first time, can they end their 78-year wait for an All-Ireland final appearance?
📺 RTÉ2/RTÉ Player
📱 https://t.co/tva0mBA9Kp pic.twitter.com/rZzI27swLS— The Sunday Game (@TheSundayGame) July 22, 2023
While Waterford were struggling to convert their chances, their defence was relentless, holding Tipperary without a score from play for over fifty minutes. Despite Tipperary finding their groove in the dying moments and narrowing the gap to a single point, it wasn't enough to overcome this Waterford side.
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Waterford go wild after reaching first All-Ireland final since 1945
After agonisiginly losing last year's All-Ireland semi-final in the dying moments and having overcome Tipperary for just the second time in their last twelve encounters not to mention reaching their first All-Ireland final since 1945, today is an absolutely historic day for the county and the team certainly showed it in their celebrations.
With the full time whistle blown, hurls went flying, pile-on's on the hollowed turf of Nowlan Park were immediate, and GAA fans all over the country were reminded why it is we love the sport.
Tears of joy flow for Waterford. What a day for camogie in the Déise County. pic.twitter.com/WP0EUufyZS
— The Sunday Game (@TheSundayGame) July 22, 2023
Waterford now go on to the All-Ireland final where'll they come up against either Galway or Cork where they'll be looking to keep their fairytale journey on the road.
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