LIVEAs it happened: Cork v Waterford and Limerick v Clare
Cork’s Patrick Horgan celebrates scoring his side's second goal. Pic: ©INPHO/James Crombie
The main concern for Cork from that performance will be their finishing, again. They ended up with 48% conversion from play. Against Limerick last week, it was 42%. That figure has to rise in the Munster final.
Waterford manager Peter Queally: "The message I delivered to the lads today was clear. I was very proud of them. We had a couple of sucker punches and the lads came back. The one thing we wanted to do this year was to get the Waterford supporters behind us."
On what's needed to get out of Munster, he says Waterford need to be getting closer to the 30-point mark in games. "It's very frustrating, for the last eight months we've been training, and now when the weather is getting good, we're putting our hurleys away."
He hopes to get a few more players back playing for Waterford next year. "The challenge for us now is to make it attractive to hurl for Waterford."
Brian Hayes: "We had a bit of soul-searching after last week."
Cork manager Pat Ryan: "It was all about winning. It is knock-out championship. It's nervy. We were in knock-out championship, old school Munster hurling. We did enough to get over the line today and that is what it is about.
"Waterford in their last games in recent years have been outstanding. We were down a few bodies. We really let ourselves down against Limerick last week. We'll celebrate the win against Waterford because that was hard enough. We left a lot of chances behind us today. We went eight points up and they came back at us.
"Diarmuid (Healy) came on and did really well. Damien Cahalane, when he came on, gave us structure at the back."
On facing Limerick in the Munster final: "Limerick blew us away last week. We will be going up there as huge underdogs. But at the same time, we know we can compete against Limerick. You just need to be at it 100%. They didn't let us hurl last week, we didn't work hard enough. They are key for us this week."
Ryan dismisses rumours about Cork having trained heavily before last week's defeat to Limerick
Ciarán Joyce gets RTÉ's man of the match award. "We were very disappointed last week (against Limerick), we only played 50% of what we're capable of," says Joyce. "At the start of the year, we definitely would have taken a Munster final. We're crying out for silverware down here. The league was a big stepping stone for us."
Clare exit despite their first championship win of 2025 in front of 32,133 spectators at the Gaelic Grounds. Ryan Taylor scored 2-1 and Mark Rodgers 1-8 in the 3-20 to 0-24 victory over Limerick.
Conor Lehane flicks up the sliotar and adds another point for Cork. The final whistle goes. Cork progress to the Munster final and the All-Ireland series while Waterford's season is over in May yet again.
Tadhg de Burca is all over Patrick Horgan near the sideline and the referee awards a free to Cork. Horgan goes off. Darragh Fitzgibbon takes over the free-taking duties and fires it over. Stephen Bennett gets another point for Waterford.
Cormac O'Brien scores from long range for Cork. We'll have four minutes of injury time. Austin Gleeson gets a yellow card.
That's an awesome response from Cork, not for the first time. Diarmuid Healy wins the puckout break and extends the margin to four. Darragh Fitzgibbon produced a big score earlier after the Waterford goal as well.
Mark Fitzgerald races out of the Waterford defence but is cynically pulled down by Seamus Harnedy and gets a yellow card. Stephen Bennett converts the free. Diarmuid Healy gets one from play for Cork.
Just in case you were wondering... a draw will do Cork. They won't be in the Munster final but would secure a spot in the top three. Waterford are three down with two minutes plus injury time to be played
Shane Kingston is fouled and Horgan tags on the free. Kingston has had a significant impact since his introduction. Stephen Bennet adds a free for Waterford.
Limerick fans sensed a comeback. They have slotted six in a row to trail by five but Ryan Taylor puts a pin in that with his second goal. 3-19 to 0-20 for Clare with five to play.
Shane Kingston does what Pat Ryan brought him on for. He gets his first from play. Ger Millerick goes off injured for Cork and Damien Cahalane is on. Stephen Bennett scores a free for Waterford.
Waterford have real momentum and here comes Austin Gleeson. The former hurler of the year is on for Sean Walsh. Darragh Fitzgibbon stems the Waterford tide with a point. Waterford have another goal chance but Jamie Barron shoots wide. Shane Kingston is on for Alan Connolly. Earlier, Luke Meade replaced Tim O'Mahony.
Goal for Waterford! Stephen Bennett spins and fires the sliotar low past Patrick Collins. Waterford then come close to having another green flag. They settle for a point. Cork looked like they were strolling to victory but they are in a game now.
Wow. Wow. Wow. Cork were cruising. Suddenly, Waterford finally put their best two forwards in the inside line and fed them. The away sideline is lifting. They need to keep supplying Bennett and Hutchinson
A big goal chance for Limerick but Aidan O'Connor pulls wide. They trail by nine, 2-19 to 0-16
Dessie Hutchinson gets hit first point of the game 15 minutes after his introduction.
Johnny Murphy consults his linesman after some fracas break out near the sideline. Stephen Bennett gets a yellow card for throwing away a Cork hurley while Sean O'Donoghue is also booked.
Goal for Cork! Patrick Horgan finds the net. Brian Hayes and Shane Barrett add points from play and Cork are really motoring now.
There was a time the Mayo footballers had a policy to 'point to the creator.' It was a way of recognising the contribution of the man who paved the way for the big score.
Cork have a second goal and it's Patrick Horgan who drives it into the net to extend the lead over Waterford
— The Sunday Game (@TheSundayGame) May 25, 2025
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Patrick Horgan spun away from that goal with one finger pointing at the selfless Brian Hayes, who sent him away. Now Cork are moving
Horgan tags on another free for Cork. Diarmuid Healy is on for Brian Roche. Clare are flying against Limerick. Goal for Clare! Rodgers tees up Ryan Taylor to blast home. 2-18 to 0-14 now
Eoin Downey fouls Sean Walsh, is given a warning by Johnny Murphy, and Bennett adds a free for Waterford. He follows that up a minute later with another free. That was Waterford's fourth in a row. Seamus Harnedy halts the Deise momentum with a point from play.
This inaccuracy issue is only getting worse. Cork have had so many chances since the goal and not much to show for it. Eoin Downey is in trouble at the other end for wrestling with Sean Walsh. Waterford have weathered a decent storm there
Mark Rodgers with three more points to take his tally to 1-7 and Clare's lead to 1-17 to 0-12. Shane O'Donnell has been fouled for five of those frees.
Despite having the wind behind him, Patrick Horgan drops a placed ball into the hand of Billy Nolan. That's followed by a wide from Brian Hayes. It's Cork's 10th wide.
Dessie Hutchinson's introduction for Waterford is imminent. Shane Barrett flashes a shot wide for Cork. That was a goal chance. Paddy Leavey goes off.
Patrick Horgan adds a free for Cork but Sean Walsh and then Patrick Fitzgerald swiftly hit back for Waterford.
We're up and running and Cork start with a quick goal through Darragh Fitzgibbon. PJ Browne will take you through the second half.
A very curious hurling championship so far. Munster has had two crackers thanks to Tipperary and their showing against Limerick and Clare. Kilkenny vs Dublin last week was extremely exciting, but otherwise, it's hard to escape the feeling it has all been a bit of a letdown. There are various reasons for that. The schedule is one, the other is the fact that the sport still does not have enough competitive teams. All of this, it should be said, is being stated now in an obvious bid to tempt the gods into making the second half a six-goal classic
Let's do a quick numbers deep dive. Cork have scored 0-4 from their own puckout, 0-3 from the opposition's puckout and 0-6 from turnovers. They'll be very happy with their puckout in those conditions, Waterford only sourced one point from it. One small area of improvement is the home side's conversion. They hit eight points from 15 shots in that half.
Catch up on some of the reports from the arlier action.
Offaly secure Leinster status with win over 14-man Antrim.
Galway progress to provincial decider with win over Dublin.
Maurice Brosnan writes: This game: not a classic. Cork will be content with that half. Patrick Horgan with 0-5 from five frees without a wide. Alan Connolly has 0-3 from three efforts. Waterford may want to revisit that matchup. Seamus Harnedy 0-2, Shane Barrett 0-2 and Mark Coleman 0-1 after that.
In Limerick, the half-time whistle has gone too - and the Banner are in control:
writes: The first half ends in a downpour as Clare take shelter six points ahead of Limerick; 1-13 to 0-10. Mark Rodgers has 1-4 (0-4 frees), plus braces from Cathal Malone, Tony Kelly, and Peter Duggan (both sideline cuts). Séamus Flanagan most prominent in attack for Limerick. Diarmaid Byrnes has 0-2 but missed three frees into the wind.
How ever it looks on TV or sounds on radio, the strength of this wind can’t be understated and for Cork to be a point ahead of Waterford feels like a commanding lead. To play without a sweeper facing this gale might seem foolhardy but it perhaps indicates the strength of their convictions and their full-back line have managed the half admirably. Mark Coleman and Darragh Fitzgibbon look different players from those that underperformed seven days ago. In the final round of the Munster championship, Waterford have finally begun to share the scoring load although the relative anonymity of their top providers Jamie Barron, with one point to his name, and Stephen Bennett, with a solitary free, will be slightly disconcerting for them. Patrick Fitzgerald has been extremely sharp and their big forwards Mikey Kiely and Seán Walsh have made their presence felt. Like the second half against Clare, Waterford won’t mind facing the elements but make no mistake Cork are in pole position.
Alan Connolly adds another and puts Cork in the driving seat moments before the half-time whistle goes.
An excellent long-range effort from Kieran Bennett edges Waterford ahead again as we appraoch the break. Alan Connolly levels it actually, as I type. This is nip and tuck.
One additional minute, we're informed.
Maurice writes: "Cork have given a masterclass at slowing this game down and taking some time off the clock. Fitzgibbon was pulled once for taking too long with a free, O'Donoghue received a warning for standing over a sideline as well. A row between Lyons and Barrett forces another delay. Waterford won't be happy with this lead as the turnaround approaches"
Eoin Downey is pinged for holding Kiely and Bennett scores his first free, Jamie Barron follows up with a nice point before Harnedy replies for Cork. All square.
To Limerick, where writes: Goal for Clare. Mark Rodgers finishes after Peter Duggan brings down a puck-out. They lead 1-9 to 0-9
Shane Barrett puts Cork ahead on Leeside meanwhile.
Patrick Fitzgerald is too often carrying a lone fight in the inside line for Waterford. He is struggling to shake off the sticky Sean O'Donoghue, too. You can see why Dessie Hutchinson struggled for form in this setup. Kiely is out the field exerting himself currently. The game hasn't caught fire yet
Patrick Horgan levels things up for the fourth time. Darragh Lyons was penalised for over-carrying and then shoved Barrett in the neck. Fortunate to avoid serious sanction.
For all the scoring burden on Messrs Barron and Bennett in this championship, they have yet to score from play. Patrick Fitzgerald, Mikey Kiely and Seán Walsh have two points apiece.
Some sensational scores here. Michael Kiely with an outstanding point over his shoulder. It's his second of the day. He then creates a point for Sean Walsh. Cork had just taken the lead for the first time all day, but Waterford are back ahead again. MB
Shane Barrett puts Cork ahead for the first time before Mikey Kiely levels it up again.
"Note to self: Talk to the smart people in this sport about playing with or against the wind and write a feature on it. The dominant theme of this game so far. Cork haven't compromised. They are playing man-on-man and chasing hard up the pitch. Waterford have been guilty of over-playing it a bit and when they go direct, there aren't enough bodies in the inside line. I'm sure there is a logical reason why. We'll report back next week"
Mikey Kiely for Waterford and Seamus Harnedy exchange points. Then Horgan levels it up with a free.
"The wind is so strong Waterford need to be at least six up at half-time. Brian Hayes's early offerings have been promising for Cork and they have settled. Oh how Declan Dalton would have loved the wind in the second half. Eoin Downey yet to be tested by fellow 6ft5in Seán Walsh." JF
In Limerick the sides are level. writes: Clare playing with a strong wind at the Gaelic Grounds as the sides are tied at 0-5 apiece. An early Clare casualty, though, as Darragh Lohan is replaced by his brother Daithí.
Alan Connolly, driving on without his hurley, wins a free which Patrick Horgan converts to bring the hosts within a point of Waterford.
Mark Coleman gives Cork fans something to cheer about before Alan Connolly spins and delivers the score of the day so far.
Alan Connolly with the "score of the day" so far for Cork but Waterford hold a narrow lead after 15 minutes
— The Sunday Game (@TheSundayGame) May 25, 2025
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Maurice writes: "The clampdown on fast puckouts continues. Collins is pulled back, Cork try to go short again and eventually go long to no one. Mark Fitzgerald sends it back with interest. This gale is problematic."
Mark Fitzgerald adds another one for the Déise.
Johnny Murphy has allowed a remarkable amount of physicality so far, but he couldn't allow that tackle on Bennett. Just a free. We're in for another week of black card debates after that one. Bennett went for goal from the free and it was saved. Their first missed shot of the day.
Sean Walsh lofts one over from the left and Waterford have started really brightly.
Earlier, Conor Prunty got away with a strike across the legs of Brian Hayes. Patrick Fitzgerald stretches Waterford's lead, as I type.
Patrick Horgan gets Cork on the scoreboard before Darragh Fitzgibbon draws his first effort wide.
Maurice Brosnan, who'll be keeping an eye on the action throughout, writes: "Cork with a clear plan early on against a strong wind. Patrick Collins opts to go short with his first few puckouts. The latest was well-worked and Patrick Horgan put the inaccuracy of last week behind him with a well-stuck free."
- It's first blood to the visitors as Jack Prendergast floats over the first score of the day and Billy Nolan opens his account with a free.
Here we go!
The players -- and supporters -- are standing for the anthem and we're moments away from throw in.
The drama will be down Centre Park Road this afternoon but we'll keep a close eye on the meeting of old rivals Limerick and Clare at the same time.
Stephen Barry is present for us and checks in with this update:
"Brian Lohan has made three late changes to his named team, including a first start of 2025 for Hurler of the Year Shane O’Donnell. Goalkeeper Eamon Foudy and U20 prospect Jack O’Neill also start, with Eibhear Quilligan, Seán Rynne, and Shane Meehan dropping out."
Here are the teams from the Gaelic Grounds.
: Shane Dowling; Barry Murphy, Dan Morrissey, Mike Casey; Dirmuid Byrnes, Declan Hannon, Colin Coughlan; Darragh O'Donovan, Willian O'Donoghue (captain); Gearóid Hegarty, Cathal O'Neill, Tom Morrissey; Seamus Flanagan, Shane O'Brien, Peter Casey.
: Eibhear Quilligan; Adam Hogan, Darragh Lohan, rory Hayes; Cian Galvin, John Conlon, David McInerney; Sean Rynne, Cathal Malone; Tony Kelly (captain), Mark Rodgers, Shane Meehan; Ryan Taylor, Peter Duggan, David Reidy.
The players are on the pitch going through the last of their warm-up routines. The teams are:
: Patrick Collins; Ger Millerick, Eoin Downey, Seán O'Donoghue; Cormac O'Brien, Ciarán Joyce, Mark Coleman; Tim O'Mahony, Brian Roche; Shane Barrett (captain), Darragh Fitzgibbon. Séamus Harnedy; Patrick Hogan, Alan Connolly, Brian Hayes.
: Billy Nolan; Ian Kenny, Conor Prunty, Kieran Bennett; Mark Fitzgerald, Tadhg de Búrca, Paddy Leavey; Darragh Lyons, Gavin Fives; Sean Walsh, Stephen Bennett, Jamie Barron; Jack Prendergast, Michael Kiely, Patrick Fitzgerald.
Some news from John Fogarty at the Páirc: "No change to the Cork team announced. Kieran Bennett comes into the Waterford starting side."
The 2pm games in Leinster have come to an end. It'll be a Galway-Kilkenny pairing in the Leinster decider.
Dublin advance to an All-Ireland preliminary quarter-final and Antrim drop down to the Joe McDonagh Cup.
We'll have match reports and more detail presently.
Some pre-game listening? Anthony Daly, TJ Ryan, Mark Landers and Liam Sheedy convene on Dalo's Hurling Show.
Or read Anthony's thoughts on how this could shake out today.
"From having watched all of Cork’s games this year, in league and championship, and seen a fair few of Waterford’s games too, Cork are just a better side. There’s been a lot of talk around Waterford having only conceded one goal in three games but they’ve only scored three as well. After last Sunday, and the damage Andrew Ormond did on Tadgh de Búrca as a drifting centre-forward – which is how all number 11s play now – Waterford may need to re-evaluate Tadgh’s role for this match."
John Fogarty is on Leeside and checks in from his perch in the stands:
"It’s a blustery one in SuperValu Páirc Uí Chaoimh. The wind is blowing hard and straight into the Blackrock End. The coin toss between Shane Barrett and Conor Prunty will carry extra significance. Waterford have made an 11th hour change to their squad, Conor Ryan replacing injured Iarlaith Daly and one of the named substitutes will be expected to start in place of the Lismore man. There have been a couple of rumblings that Alan Connolly isn’t fit to start for Cork but that will become apparent in the next 30 minutes. Waterford supporters are scarce on the ground and the dropping of their captain Dessie Hutchinson, while justified, has probably dampened expectations. As expected, Cork folk are here in their droves, knowing a win and the prospect of doing themselves justice against Limerick in a first Munster final in seven years is quite the nugget."
In the great tradition of 1980s professional wrestling, we have a blockbuster loser-leaves-town match topping the bill, from SuperValu Páirc Uí Chaoimh this afternoon.
Welcome to live coverage of that Cork v Waterford showdown on Leeside as well as Limerick v Clare at the Gaelic Grounds.
We have reporters and analysts at both grounds and beyond and will go puck by puck for the next few hours. Strap in.
A collection of the latest sports news, reports and analysis from Cork.
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