Allianz HL D1A: Winning start for Cork

Allianz Hurling League Division 1A

Cork 3-25 Waterford 1-17

By Stephen Barry at SuperValu Páirc Uí Chaoimh

The Ben O’Connor era began in earnest with a free-flowing 14-point demolition of Waterford in front of 20,464 fans at SuperValu Páirc Uí Chaoimh.

They hadn’t the retired Patrick Horgan or Hurler of the Year nominee Brian Hayes in their ranks, but a retooled full-forward line still took the Déise for 3-10.

Debutant William Buckley notched 1-4, which was matched by the repositioned Declan Dalton, among 10 different scorers.

Having excused them from Munster Hurling League duty, O’Connor called upon 10 of last year’s All-Ireland final team to start his first competitive game as manager. As well as Buckley, Alan Walsh and Hugh O’Connor received their debuts off the bench. Dáire O’Leary began at full-back on his return to the panel.

Peter Queally gave debuts to Daniel Lalor, Seán Mackey, and James Power. They lost further experience with Jack Fagan limping off in the opening exchanges, replaced by Joe Booth. Reuben Halloran was their standout performer with 0-13, including three from play.

Waterford were utterly outmatched from the off as Cork scored nine points from their first nine shots inside nine minutes. They made it 10 without a miss before the wides began to kick in, ending with 12 in total. Dalton lined out at full-forward and opened the scoring. He would contribute 1-4 and assist just as much.

Jamie Barron was the only Waterford hurler to score from play in the opening stretch, splitting the posts in the third and 17th minutes.

In between, Cork kept piling on the scores. Shane Barrett was given the freedom of the Páirc as he roamed from centre-forward for three quickfire points. Darragh Fitzgibbon, Diarmuid Healy, Buckley, and Alan Connolly also got off the mark.

Seán Walsh got off a shot on goal at the other end, which Patrick Collins stood tall to save.

Dalton was already on four points from play before he gave Conor Keane the slip and batted across the goal for Connolly to tap in. 1-11 to 0-3 after 18 minutes. Fitzgibbon, Buckley, and Healy tacked on the next trio for a 14-point lead.

Darragh Lyons and Halloran gave Déise supporters something to cheer. But things went from bad to worse when Mark Fitzgerald dragged down Brian Roche. After consulting with his umpires, Johnny Murphy produced the black card and awarded a penalty, which Dalton rocketed into the top corner.

They led 2-16 to 0-9 at half-time, although Waterford broke even during the 10 minutes they were reduced to 14 men (1-1 to 0-4).

Mackey was denied a debut goal, but when Halloran was fouled by Robert Downey, Murphy reached for his black card and gave a penalty. Shane Bennett came forward from the half-backs to drill it low to the net.

In the next play, Alan Walsh intercepted a pass and Connolly fed Buckley, whose one-handed swing beat the advancing keeper. They led 3-19 to 1-11 as Bennett’s next free was saved on the goalline. Again, the black-card period ended up tied, 1-2 apiece.

They split the final eight points between them before Seán Walsh was sent off in stoppage time, with Murphy indicating interference with the face guard.

Scorers for Cork: William Buckley, Declan Dalton (1-0 pen) 1-4 each; Alan Connolly 1-2 (1f); Diarmuid Healy 0-4; Darragh Fitzgibbon (0-1f), Shane Barrett 0-3 each; Mark Coleman 0-2; Tommy O’Connell, Brian Roche, Hugh O’Connor 0-1 each.

Scorers for Waterford: Reuben Halloran 0-13 (8fs, 2 65s); Shane Barrett 1-0 (pen); Jamie Barron 0-2; Darragh Lyons, Calum Lyons 0-1 each.

Cork: Patrick Collins; Niall O’Leary, Dáire O’Leary, Seán O’Donoghue; Cormac O’Brien, Robert Downey, Mark Coleman; Tommy O’Connell, Darragh Fitzgibbon; Brian Roche, Shane Barrett, Diarmuid Healy; William Buckley, Declan Dalton, Alan Connolly.

Subs: Alan Walsh for Dalton (42), Hugh O’Connor for Barrett (48), Eoin Roche for O’Leary (51), Micheál Mullins for Downey (55), Robbie O’Flynn for Healy (61).

Waterford: Billy Nolan; Conor Prunty, Daniel Lalor, Conor Keane; Iarlaith Daly, Mark Fitzgerald, Shane Bennett; Darragh Lyons, Seán Mackey; Reuben Halloran, Jamie Barron, Jack Fagan; James Power, Seán Walsh, Charlie Treen.

Subs: Joe Booth for Fagan (8, inj), Brian Lynch for Lalor (20), Calum Lyons for J Power (42), Michael Kiely for Booth (51), Mairtín Power for Daly (58).

Referee: Johnny Murphy (Limerick).