Paul O'Brien's off-the-ground goal two minutes from time eventually swung an enthralling Munster SHC semi-final in favour of Waterford as they repeated their 2002 championship success over Tipperary, winning out 4-10 to 3-12.
The Deise men will enjoy another day in the sun against reigning champions Cork in three weeks time, but endured a torrid finish after former Tipp footballer Colin Morrissey and ex-captain Tommy Dunne combined to put the Premier three points in front. Having led for the majority of the game, on the foot of two first half Dan Shanahan goals, Waterford came back well with Paul Flynn's late point and O'Brien's goal clinching an exhaustive victory.
Seamus Prendergast muscled through for Waterford's opener in the second minute, quickly answered back by the undoubted scoring star of the game, Tipp's Eoin Kelly (2-08 in all) from a free. The Mullinahone forward and his Waterford namesake from Mount Sion traded points before Dave Bennett landed a left wing effort on 14 minutes.
Following a frugal period, four goals in six minutes from the 21st to the 27th really opened up the play. First Shanahan, scorer of 3-01 against Clare, rose highest to claim a Bennett line-ball to turn and strike past an unsighted Brendan Cummins.
Waterford's Kelly then turned provider on 25 minutes flashing a direct ball into Shanahan's path for the big forward to guide it off his stick from close range, establishing a seven-point advantage.
Benny Dunne sprinted clear of the Waterford cover to set up Eoin Kelly for a quick reply and with another 1-01 going the 2002 All star's way over the next ninety seconds, the sides were back level at 2-03 apiece.
Kelly replied to a Paul Flynn 21-metre free on the half hour, but a third Waterford goal from John Mullane with four minutes remaining gave the men in white the half time lead 3-06 to 2-05, despite two late points from Eoin and Paul Kelly.
By the tenth minute of the second half the sides were back level with top scorer Kelly hitting three and Morrissey, a half-time sub, also on target. Prendergast and Michael Walsh stroked over to put Waterford back in the ascendancy on 45 minutes at 3-08 to 2-09.
A flat period then followed with the influential O'Brien coming on for Eoin McGrath with 20 minutes remaining. Tipp 'keeper Brendan Cummins kept his side in the hunt with a brilliant double save from O'Brien and Paul Flynn in the 52nd minute.
Kelly rammed another placed ball over to edge Tipp closer at the other end with his namesake replying from the left flank almost instantly.
Tipp sub Seamus Butler checked through for a 2-11 to 3-09 scoreline and with Morrissey soloing through past Declan Prendergast and Michael Walsh to half volley into the Waterford net it was certainly game on.
Dunne pointed from over 70 metres to give the Premier men real hope at 3-12 to 3-09 but O'Brien had the final say, racing onto a hack forward, ahead of Paul Curran, to grab the vital goal.
Filed by Barry J Whyte
