Kilkenny has played Waterford a total of six times in the All-Ireland Senior Hurling Championship.

Kilkenny's Leinster Championship campaign started off in O'Moore Park, Portlaoise on 15 June 2008 against Offaly.

The match turned out to be a very one-sided affair with Henry Shefflin scoring 11 points on his return from a long-term injury.

[4] Kilkenny moved onto the Leinster Hurling Final where they would face a Wexford side who took a replay to defeat Dublin in the other semi-final.

The fixture was much hyped by the Irish media, in light of both teams' respective records over the past 5 years.

Waterford started off the year with a Munster Championship first round clash with Clare at the Gaelic Grounds, Limerick on 1 June 2008.

[7] Soon after the game, manager, Justin McCarthy was fired from his position by the Waterford County Board.

[10] Waterford were then pitted against Offaly in their Phase 4 Qualifier on 19 July 2008 at Semple Stadium, Thurles.

[11] This resulted in Waterford reaching the All-Ireland Quarter Finals and a match-up against Leinster runners-up Wexford.

The opponents would be a highly fancied Tipperary, who were reigning National Hurling League and Munster champions.

Mícheál Ó Muircheartaigh provide commentary for RTÉ radio with the match being broadcast on both FM and LW.