This group of Waterford hurlers' best chance of an All-Ireland appears to be gone. After losing four previous semi-finals all the evidence pointed towards 2007 finally being the breakthrough year. They came up short again.

Limerick were always going to be a dangerous proposition, although I don't think anyone foresaw such a magnificent performance, but when a team concedes five goals they can have little complaint. What's most disappointing is Waterford failed to reach their full potential in the defining hour.

There can be no doubt Limerick are deserving victors. They attained a level of intensity that surpasses anything seen during this season's championship but, the goals aside, it was the physicality they brought to bear upon Waterford that tilted the scales in their favour.

Every pivotal physical exchange went their way. Ollie Moran got the better of Ken McGrath in the first half as they set about laying the foundations for victory, Brian Begley always looked a sure thing to gather high balls into the square's edge, while all the telling hits came from Limerick men.

If a defining moment in the game is required it was probably Donie Ryan's second goal after half-time. It was born out of Moran demolishing Aidan Kearney in a challenge. Another key moment was Tony Browne being blocked down preceding Andrew O'Shaughnessy's first goal. That ball should have been cleared downfield.

Limerick's 110 per cent commitment to the cause was evident in all quarters. Brian Murray was solid in goal all day and made one particular pressure catch when Waterford were in the ascendancy.

The Limerick defence was always on top with Dan Shanahan largely toiling up front alone, besides some brave contributions from Eoin McGrath. That John Mullane, who was devoured by young Séamus Hickey, and Paul Flynn were called ashore tells its own story. Stephen Lucey and Brian Geary held their ground in the middle with a renewed authority. Up the other end, Andrew O'Shaughnessy excelled once more and this is proved by the three markers he required in the first half alone.

Enormous credit must go to Richie Bennis, Gary Kirby, Bernie Hartigan and the rest of the Limerick management. The game plan was spot on - even the replacements worked with a James O'Brien point coming at a vital juncture.

You can see a unity of purpose in the panel in direct contrast to the malaise of last season when they were hammered by Clare in Ennis. To turn it all around and reach an All-Ireland final in 12 months is a massive achievement.

Waterford fell down in two crucial areas: the full back line and shooting. The last line had generally been commended as the most improved area of the team but they came unstuck yesterday.

When they did manage to pull themselves back into contention with Tony Browne's magnificent point with seven minutes remaining they still managed to miss two clear-cut goal chances in the last minute.

When they should have been chipping away at Limerick's lead, 11 wides in the second half killed off any chance of a late revival.

Limerick played a measured, intelligent style of hurling particularly in the first half and used the ball more economically when dominant. Whereas Limerick were feeling the effects of the Tipperary games in the Munster final it was Waterford who lacked the energy reserves yesterday after the two Cork matches.

But Limerick cannot be commended enough. Yesterday's performance proved they will certainly not be also-rans come the final.