A step in the right direction for rising Cork

This was a superb contest last Saturday night. Cork were six points up and it looked as if they were going to hold out for a much needed win with five minutes remaining in normal time.

The League points on offer were of little consequence to Cork but putting one over on the All-Ireland champions would have given them a much needed boost.

Cork were the better team in the first period. Kilkenny’s management restructured the forward line at half time and it had a better balance thereafter. Walter Walsh, now right half forward, helped out in midfield while replacement James Maher operated on the left flank of the attack and brought more strength and industry. Richie Hogan went to top of the left,effectively playing a free role.