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'It's going to be a massive challenge' | Waterford boss Cahill looks ahead to semi-final with Kilkenny

Waterford's rejuvenation under new manager Liam Cahill continues.  They booked their place in th...



'It's going to be a massive ch...
Hurling

'It's going to be a massive challenge' | Waterford boss Cahill looks ahead to semi-final with Kilkenny

Waterford's rejuvenation under new manager Liam Cahill continues. 

They booked their place in the All-Ireland Senior Hurling Championship semi-finals on Saturday evening with a 3-27 to 3-18 win over Clare at Páirc Uí Chaoimh.

It's the first time the Deise are in the last four since 2017, when they were beaten by Galway in the final.

They will now face Kilkenny next weekend while the other semi-final will be a repeat of the 2018 final with Galway up against Limerick.

Liam Cahill, who's in his first year in charge of Waterford, praised his side at full-time when speaking to OTB Sports,

"I'm really happy, sure it's great to be in the All-Ireland semi-finals, that was the objective.

"We knew coming down today that we'd have to produce all that we did the Sunday before and more to make sure that we secured that opportunity.

"I'm delighted for the players and all associated with the squad and the team, a special mention to the 10 guys at home that couldn't be here today because of the restrictions that are in place.

"A good day for everybody and we'll recover now and look forward to next weekend."

The game was a particular rollercoaster in the first half with five goals scored between the two sides.

Cahill had particular praise for Jack Fagan who found the back of the net just before the break, but also pointed out that they didn't have a firm grip on the game at that stage.

"The goal just before half-time was massively important because we had lost our way a little after a real good start we allowed Clare back into the game.

"The three goals conceded would be a big concern for me, we'll have to get our heads around that - how it came about and the lapse of concentration that allowed Clare to stay in the game.

"If we do that against Kilkenny next weekend we'll pay the price."

Cahill also went on to point out the importance of the depth in his side.

"To have a competitive environment you have to have a group of players that are pushing one another and thankfully when I look back over my shoulder there's plenty of options and pleny of young men putting their hands up.

"That's what it's all about, a good healthy squad.

"We can only play 15 obviously but everybody that was named today was in with a real chance of playing depending on how the game went."

Waterford now have a semi-final with none other than Brian Cody's Kilkenny to look forward to.

Cahill is under no illusion of the gravity of the task ahead,

"It's going to be a massive challenge.

"As everyone knows they [Kilkenny] are the benchmark so we'll have it all to do but we're there and once you're there you have a chance but we will have to be bang on again to get anything out of that match."

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All Ireland Hurling Championship Liam Cahill Waterford GAA