Sunday June 18

Munster SHC Semi-Final

Cork v Waterford, Semple Stadium, Thurles, 4pm

After the terrific triumph over Tipperary on the hallowed Thurles turf, Cork partied like it was 1999. They had every reason to do so. Young and fearless newcomers had adapted to the Munster Championship stage effortlessly.

Back then Jimmy Barry Murphy rolled the dice and an emerging crop of Cork hurlers were All Ireland champions by September. For some strange reason Cork appear capable of turning into contenders almost overnight.

Perhaps, though, in the commentary that has followed that match Cork’s work in 2013 and 2014, especially has been forgotten somewhat. JBM was on the line again then. Cork came within a whisker of the ultimate honour in 2013.

Even in the Shane O’Donnell replay Cork were still in the hunt late in that match. The following year Cork were kingpins down south, but a Tipperary masterclass in the All Ireland Semi-Final left them reeling. It is only now that Cork appear to be showing signs of full recovery.

With the play loose and exciting Cork had the skill and scorers to prosper when outfoxing Tipp a month ago. Conor Lehane ended the contest with a 0-10 haul, including five from play; Shane Kingston registered 1-4; Patrick Horgan guided four over; Luke Meade and Alan Cadogan banged over three each; Michael Cahalane announced his arrival with an opportunistic and decisive goal.

It was that type of day. The blood red jerseys dashed about seeking involvement, but most importantly, making their plays count.

Colm Spillane, Darragh Fitzgibbon, and Kingston excelled, while Damien Cahalane, Christopher Joyce, and Seamus Harnedy’s influence shouldn’t be underestimated either.

While the element of Cork surprise will have dwindled somewhat, Waterford bring a similarly pacy and promising team to the Tipperary venue on Sunday.

Derek McGrath’s side were most unfortunate to lose a gripping game on their last Championship trip to Thurles, Kilkenny goalkeeper Eoin Murphy’s fetch from Pauric Mahony’s last gasp free will linger long in the memory.

So too will the drive and abandon of Waterford’s display on that sultry Saturday evening. Near misses and moral victories aren’t what Waterford want anymore, though, because attaining silverware is top of the list.

Waterford got what they wanted from the spring, six decent matches allowing McGrath to delve deep into his panel. Preserving their Allianz Hurling League Division 1A status meant it was a satisfactory  campaign.

Tom Devine’s decision to travel for the summer is certainly a blow, and it will be interesting to see how McGrath sets his team up on Sunday.

This match should drip with skill and excitement between two teams sprinkled with crafty stickmen. Cork are acquiring belief and momentum, but Waterford’s All Ireland Semi-Final appearances in 2015 and 2016 suggest the Deise are still evolving also.

CORK: Anthony Nash; Stephen McDonnell, Damien Cahalane, Colm Spillane; Christopher Joyce, Mark Ellis, Mark Coleman; Bill Cooper, Darragh Fitzgibbon; Luke Meade, Conor Lehane, Shane Kingston; Alan Cadogan, Seamus Harnedy, Patrick Horgan.

**WATERFORD: **Stephen O'Keeffe; Shane Fives, Barry Coughlan, Noel Connors; Tadhg de Burca, Austin Gleeson, Philip Mahony; Jamie Barron, Conor Gleeson, Kevin Moran, Pauric Mahony, Stephen Bennett; Shane Bennett, Michael Walsh, Darragh Fives.