Waterford took Kilkenny to the wire in the All Ireland hurling qualifiers on Saturday.

The extra-time win was Kilkenny's fifth game in six weeks but manager Brian Cody told Newstalk Breakfast's Oisin Langan that fatigue was not a factor for his team and reserved praise for Waterford's efforts.

He said: "We were put to the pin of our collar and we couldn't get a grip of the game. They finished strongly towards the end of normal time. Essentially they took over the field in lots of ways. They were just coming at us in waves and waves. Some people might put that down to tiredness. But that was proven wrong in extra time because we were anything but tired." 

 

Oisin also spoke to Man of the Match Jackie Tyrell. The Kilkenny defender felt it was a game full of emotion and twists.

He also believes Waterford's exertions at the end of normal time played into the Cats' paws when extra time got underway.

"Just when we looked like we were going to win it, it was typical Waterford and they had the character to come back. We're shattered inside but we're very relieved and happy to be in the next round."   

 

Waterford's Noel Conors cited Kilkenny's energy in extra time as a key factor in the game.

"Credit must go to Kilkenny. They are fantastic champions. In fairness to them, they dug deep in the first half of extra time and really portrayed why they're champions."    

©INPHO/Lorraine O'Sullivan