Waterford once again drive home superiority

Cork 1-14 Waterford 0-20: Make sense of that. Waterford dominate a game and yet need their ‘keeper to make a last-minute save to ensure the points. Cork are listless until a player gets injured, then ignite. A late goal and two straight reds colour an earnest competition with a sharp palette.

“For three-quarters of it I thought we were dominant,” reflected Waterford manager Derek McGrath. “I don’t think we emptied the bench wisely, or early enough, to be honest, given the amount of games our guys had over the last few weeks.

“Cork were going to have their period as well, they’re a good team, and it took a magnificent Stephen O’Keeffe save to prevent a draw.” McGrath’s evaluation was accurate enough. Waterford started well and never relinquished their lead. Maurice Shanahan was accurate from frees, Austin Gleeson and Darragh Fives held the middle, and Colin Dunford and Jamie Barron drove through the middle.