As a hurling person I've seen many great games but the last 15 minutes in Croke Park yesterday surpasses anything I've seen in my life. And I felt it was the right result.

To the controversy of the late free first. The Cork supporters around us were angry and disappointed but it was the least Waterford deserved on the day.

While the decision by referee Brian Gavin to award a free against Donal Óg Cusack might not be technically correct - a throw-in seems like the letter-of-the-law decision - it was the right call morally. Cusack made a fantastic save and then took a risk by committing a professional foul.

All this could have been avoided if Eoin McGrath had just popped the ball over the bar moments earlier.

Waterford had other chances to win this game but Ken McGrath, who was otherwise excellent, was off target with a few long-range frees, while Eoin Kelly also hit a bad wide. Thereafter, Cork seized the momentum with a well-finished goal from Kieran Murphy followed immediately by a Kevin Hartnett point.

It would have been heart-breaking if Waterford lost this game. They went deep into their reserves and produced a renewed desire and mentality that reminded me of Padraig Harrington's up-and-down on the 18th at Carnoustie that got him into the play- off with Sergio Garcia.

They will go into the replay with a similar attitude to what Padraig took into those play-off holes. Waterford really have grown as a team. Dan Shanahan, in particular, produced a performance to match his great feats in Munster. Croke Park has been waiting to see these trademark scores from the big man. All his points came off the left hand and the goal was sheer brilliance.

Tony Browne must also be commended for the exquisite pass from deep. John Mullane started the game like a man possessed and got some nice early points.

For Cork, Tom Kenny was everywhere. Kieran Murphy stepped into the full-forward role, while Shane O'Neill and Brian Murphy deserve mentions for their defensive solidity.

Big games like this come down to the last 15 minutes. It was the same on Saturday when Galway asked serious questions of Kilkenny. With the game tied at 1-18 apiece Kilkenny's desire to retain their title was put under tremendous strain.

They responded in a manner that proves the commitment levels are higher than ever before but I suppose a team that can introduce quality like James Ryall and John Tennyson can always go up a gear.

Another particular about this victory was the fact that Henry Shefflin didn't reach his usual full tempo yet Kilkenny coped regardless.

Most doubts about whether they can reach peak form have now been dispelled. The only lingering doubt is that Cork and especially Waterford have superior forwards to Galway.

Kilkenny remain favourites for the All-Ireland, and they will beat Wexford next week to reach the final, but retention of their title is far from certain as one from three Munster teams will be there to meet them.

Yes, that includes Limerick. They did enough in disposing of Clare yesterday to be kept in the loop as serious contenders. They have improved in every championship game. They played a smart brand of hurling, using the ball well throughout, and proved to have better forwards than Clare.

The defence is already a proven area of strength but they largely dispelled the notion they lack scoring power. Mike Fitzgerald and Donie Ryan, when he came in, were particularly impressive.

Finally to Tipperary's defeat to Wexford. This was easily the worst game of the weekend. The most disappointing aspect of it was seeing Eoin Kelly come on and have to go for goal from a free just to prove his value to the team. This was a very sad sight to see.

Wexford deserved their victory and it would have been greater had they converted the four first-half goal chances that came their way.

Damien Fitzhenry's winning strike was nothing new. He performed the same trick, under similar pressure, against Limerick in 2001.

Overall, it was a great weekend for hurling with yesterday's draw certain to live long in the memory.