Kilkenny showed more bottle than Cork and deservedly won a place in the National Senior Hurling League Final.
Our Cats, including several hurling interns, showed continued improvement as they took the game to the Rebels, bossed proceedings for much of the tie and showed real courage as Cork staged a late rally.
Ironically, it was a second half spat between several players from both sides that got most supporters on their feet.
The battle was more of a side plate than a main course as much of the pushing and shoving was a Handbags at Dawn affair.
But there were a couple of clips that led to a Cork sending off and yellow cards for a few others.
Kilkenny seemed content to hold on to their respectable lead but despite being a man down Cork pushed the attack button and when the visitors scored three successive points without reply one sensed squeaky bum time.
The inexperienced Cats found it difficult to ‘kill’ the game but the calming influence of home goalkeeper Eoin Murphy was priceless.
The Cork rally proved to be too little, too late and Kilkenny deservedly eased to a final joust with All-Ireland champions Limerick.
The big match will be in Semple Stadium, Thurles on Sunday week. Limerick, 8/11 at the time of writing, to win another All-Ireland will start favourites against a very fit and willing Kilkenny that is a tempting 8/1 to win the Liam MacCarthy Cup.
The Kilkenny team selection may have a big say on what way the cookie crumble. Will the Cats bring back the experienced Shamrocks lads et alia for the showdown?
Only time will tell. In the meantime happy supporters should have good fun guessing.
