In the Munster SHC, a thrilling showdown saw Waterford besting Cork with a score of 2-25 to 1-25. The match, taking place at Walsh Park, marked Waterford’s first championship game there in nearly two years. It also showcased Waterford’s most impressive performance in roughly the same span. Indeed, the superb opening quarter saw them take Cork by storm, resulting in a victory that remained largely secure throughout.
Despite Cork managing to catch up occasionally in the second half, their leadership lasted under 30 seconds in total. Their downfall seemed imminent as they lost their self-control in the final quarter, with Ciaran Joyce receiving a black card due to his takedown of Jack Prendergast during a goal-scoring attempt. Stephen Bennett then successfully executed the consequent penalty, pushing Waterford ahead by five points with just 12 minutes of regular play left.
The situation worsened for Cork five minutes later. Damien Cahalane was dismissed after receiving a second yellow card, leaving Cork with just 13 men for the rest of Joyce’s penalised term. Naturally, their prospects faded rapidly.
Following a lacklustre league phase where many key Waterford players were absent, Davy Fitzgerald gambled everything on a strong start to the championship. His bet paid off shortly after play commenced.
Waterford’s first puck-out was a long one which lured most of Cork’s defenders out of influence, leaving the ball to fall into an unoccupied region, which typically houses a competent half-back line. Jamie Barron occupied this gap instead, seizing the ball before driving it into the Cork net from 40 metres away.
Subsequently, Waterford notched the following three scores, leading 1-4 to 0-1 after just 11 minutes. They maintained control over the significant aspects of the game, displaying impressive fervour and aggression. Had this been a rugby match, they would’ve owned the gain line.
Cork appeared bewildered by the tumultuous opening 20 minutes. Waterford, living up to their reputation as a Davy Fitzgerald managed team, implemented a flexible game plan, with multiple players traversing the pitch. This strategy resulted in Cork’s defence looking overwhelmingly exposed, their attack appearing underserved, and their overall play suffering a disjointedness akin to an old transistor’s faltering signal.
For the majority of the first half, Waterford managed to keep a firm lead over Cork with a score of 1-10 to 0-7. Cork did succeed in scoring three consecutive points just before half-time, and replicated this with the first three points of the second half. However, Waterford’s composure and determination shone through, and they never allowed Cork to take the lead.
Key players like Calum Lyons and Jamie Barron played their part, offering superb performances and making notable contributions to the scoreboard. Dessie Hutchinson and Stephen Bennett also kept the scoring momentum going, preventing Cork from making a significant impact.
In the closing minute, Alan Connolly managed to score a goal for Cork reducing Waterford’s lead to just two points. Nonetheless, the home team didn’t falter, bouncing back immediately, thus, avoiding any last-minute shocks.
Waterford team consisted of players such as S O’Brien, I Daly, C Prunty, K Bennett, C Lyons (who scored 0-3), T de Burca, and M Fitzgerald among others. Substitutions were made with the entrance of Patrick Fitzgerald, P Curran and Padraig Fitzgerald during various intervals.
The Cork team included the likes of P Collins, G Mellerick, D Cahalane, S O’Donoghue, and R Downey with A Connolly notably contributing 1-5. Substitutions like R O’Flynn, B Hayes and L Meade were also brought on at different stages. The match was overseen by referee M Kennedy from Tipperary.