New look minor hurlers to topple Tipp

Denis Ring’s charges delivered a very encouraging performance to get the better of Waterford at Walsh Park, a victory that was all the more creditable considering they got off to the worst possible start, falling 1-2 behind during the first five minutes.

It was 0-17 to 1-10 in Cork’s favour at the finish, with Na Piarsaigh’s Evan Sheehan and Aghabullogue’s Matthew Bradley, who shared eight with points from play, emerging as the leading lights in attack.

It’s testimony to the steadiness of the Cork rearguard that Waterford were limited to eight points following their whirlwind start, and such as Mallow’s Paul Lyons, Eire Og’s John Cooper and Cloughduv’s Eoghan Clifford acquitted themselves most admirably at the back for the visitors.

Ballincollig’s Robbie Bourke made a telling input as well at midfield, and, all in all, Cork looked a very formidable outfit, rasing hopes that they can bring a Munster title to Leeside at this level for the first time since 2008.

Tipperary have had to avail of the backdoor to reach the semi final, as Waterford bounced back from their first round defeat by Cork to register a three-point win over the Premier County lads next time out.

Taking that into account, Cork would be entitled to fancy their chances of putting Tipp to the sword, especially since they will enjoy home advantage for the fixture.

But the form-book can be notoriously unreliable in the minor grade, as Cork discovered to their cost last year when, having beaten Limerick in the opening round, they later succumbed to the Shannonsiders at the semi-final stage.

Denis Ring is obviously taking nothing for granted ahead of the showdown with Tipp, making the point that Cork haven’t had a competive game since April, whereas Tipp have been involved in a do-or-tie tie against Clare in the meantime.

“Tipp are bound to benefit from the extra game, and they showed against Clare they are a strong team with a lot of pace and a lot of good hurlers, so we know the task ahead of us is a big one.

“Playing at home should be a bit of a plus for us, but it will only count if we get good support, and, hopefully, that’s going to be the case,” he said.

In beating Clare by 2-15 to 0-12, Tipp made it clear they have polished up their act since the Waterford game, and it can be taken for granted they will provide a searching test of Cork’s credentials, with players like Brian McGrath, Cian Darcy and Lydon Fairbrother – who were involved when they lifted the Munster title last year – on hand to provide the leadership.

It’s a completely new Cork team from last year, but if they can replicate the convincing performance they produced against Waterford, they will take a lot of stopping.