Herculean Hayes hails early-season endeavour as Cork continue to grow

It was a far cagier affair at Azzurri Walsh Park, where Aoife Donohue’s goal on six minutes proved the difference for Waterford in a 1-13 to 0-13 win against Galway.

PLAYER OF THE MATCH: Cork's Laura Hayes is presented the player of the match award by Brian Molloy. Pic: ©INPHO/Dan Clohessy.

Alarm bells were ringing down Leeside as a Cork team that has reached the last five finals of the Glen Dimplex All-Ireland senior camogie championship, underwent major surgery and results reflected the transition.

The Centra League and following Munster Championship did not yield a lot in terms of results but with retirements, injuries and others available for different reasons, a number of younger and newer players were blooded.