No bus, no problem for Waterford's minor hurlers

Waterford reached their first All-Ireland MHC final since 2013 with victory over Kilkenny at Wexford Park ©INPHO/James Lawlor

Waterford reached their first All-Ireland minor hurling championship final in 12 years yesterday evening after edging out Kilkenny in a cracking semi-final at Chadwicks Wexford Park.

The Deise lads’ 2-21 to 2-18 victory came after their team bus never turned up to bring them to the Wexford venue after having reportedly broken down.

The players had to travel to the ground in cars instead and it didn’t impact their performance against the Cats in the slightest, with Cormac Spain’s goal helping them lead by 1-10 to 1-7 at half-time and the Ballygunner sharpshooter would hit the net again midway through the second-half to push his side four ahead.

18 nóim #KILvWAT

@KilkennyCLG 1-05@WaterfordGAA 1-07

Cúl ag Port Láirge agus tá siad chun cinn Cormac Spain puts Waterford ahead with the second goal of the game

Beo/Live ar @TG4TV 📺 @ElectricIreland #GAABEO pic.twitter.com/MaNzgpGIgY

— Spórt TG4 (@SportTG4) June 14, 2025

James O’Connor’s team stretched their advantage out to seven before Kilkenny hit an unanswered 1-2, including a goal from Adam Maher on the hour mark, but the Munster side held out with Jamie Shanahan’s late point proving the insurance.

The result sees Waterford through to the All-Ireland MHC final next Saturday week, June 28th, where they’ll be playing the winners of this afternoon’s semi-final clash between Munster champions Cork and Clare in Thurles (1pm).

Lán ama #KILvWAT Smaointí bhainteoir Phort Láirge, James O'Connor, tar éis an bhua

Beo/Live ar @TG4TV 📺 @WaterfordGAA @ElectricIreland #GAABEO pic.twitter.com/KG4J6sW18k

— Spórt TG4 (@SportTG4) June 14, 2025