Anthony Daly: Win over atrocious Waterford doesn't tell us a whole lot about Rebels

The Déise looked to have a complete systems failure on Leeside.

Peter Hogan of Waterford has a shot on goal despite the efforts of Tommy O'Connell, left, and Ciaran Joyce of Cork. Picture: Brendan Moran/Sportsfile

For all the talk about a potential Cork resurrection and revival, it’s easy to forget that Cork were in an All-Ireland final just two years ago. They hadn’t completely gone off the grid, or disappeared off the radar. They’ve produced some decent performances but the volume of difficult defeats have turned days like yesterday into what felt like an occasion, both for the players and supporters.

Cork are entitled to soak up days like this but how big really was this win? Waterford were atrocious at times. They were flat, lacking energy and aggression, showing nowhere near the intensity required at this level. Compared to Clare-Limerick on Saturday evening, this was two or three levels below that standard of ferocity and savagery. Cork can only beat what’s put in front of them, but what does this win really tell us? Honestly, not a whole lot.