O’Sullivan and Sexton lead Rebels’ second-half surge

CORK’S production line at intermediate hurling level continues to be in fine working order as evidenced by this victory over Tipperary in yesterday at Semple Stadium.

Cork were All-Ireland champions two years ago and it was only at the final stage that they came unstuck against Kilkenny last season. Their aspirations of an extended run this year received an early boost as they clinically dispatched a Tipperary team who failed to benefit from a new ruling that allowed them to draw on players from senior clubs.

Pat Kenneally’s Cork team performed impressively in the second-half as they took control of a game that had been delicately balanced at the interval when Tipperary lead 1-8 to 1-7. Indeed but for a late Tipperary rally that saw substitute Liam Dwan strike a goal and Johnny Ryan rifle over a free, Cork’s ultimate winning margin would have been greater.