IT WAS A close-tun affair at Semple Stadium but Cork emerged 1-19 to 0-19 winners over Waterford.
Cork manager Jimmy Barry-Murphy cut a relieved figure in the bowels of the Tipperary GAA ground after the match as he reflected on a late fightback that has sent his side into the All-Ireland semi-finals.
Cork trailed by three points after 56 minutes but rallied well, and showed composure, to hit the front.
They were aided by two late points by Patrick Horgan and an inspirational score from Seán Óg Ó hAilpín.
Waterford pushed for a late goal that would have levelled matters but a ’65 hit the post and Cathal Naughton cleared his lines for the final time.
Great, late points
Barry-Murphy told RTÉ after the match that the Rebel County will need to up their effort if they are to defeat Galway in the semi-final.
“It was a good win in the end,” he said. “We didn’t play particularly well but got some great points in the last 10 minutes and edged ahead.”
“The impact of the new subs coming on helped us.” Barry-Murphy added:
I don’t think our performance today would trouble Galway at all.
But, saying that, we are delighted to be there.”
Would’nt be rushing out to back Cork at 8/1 to win the all Ireland, Galway at 3/1 is es.o value were 5/1 to beat Kilkenny the last day. Kilkenny are odds on again which is no great surprise. No doubt the four best Hurling teams in the counrty have made it to the semis, should be two great clashes