Cork minor hurling manager, James O'Connor.
Electric Ireland Munster MHC round 5
Waterford 1-21 Clare 1-15
Cork 2-17 Tipperary 1-12
By Stephen Barry
Waterford made it back to the Electric Ireland Munster Minor Hurling final for the first time since 2021 with a six-point victory over Clare at Cappoquin Logistics Fraher Field.
They will meet Cork, who are seeking their first title since that ‘21 final victory over the Déise. The Rebels kept up their 100% record with an eight-point win over already-eliminated Tipperary.
Down in Dungarvan, the first half was nip and tuck, ending with the hosts a point ahead, 0-10 to 0-9. Cormac Spain accounted for half of that tally, while Paul Rodgers led the scoring for Clare.
Spain’s sixth plus further points from Jamie Shanahan and Shane Power stretched them four ahead on the restart but Clare were back level in the 36th minute when Rodgers dodged around two defenders and, playing with advantage, blasted to the net with an audacious finish. It was the highlight of his 1-8 contribution.
Three Rodgers frees had them 1-14 to 0-14 ahead but Spain’s free-taking levelled with six minutes to play.
Waterford would score the final 1-5 without reply. The goal, in the 55th minute, came from a Spain free 100 metres away from the target that bounced in the square and rippled the net.
He finished with 1-12 while substitutes Caoilinn Reville and Pierce Quann made sure of the win.
Meanwhile, Cork won the dead-rubber contest at Páirc Uí Rinn with a 2-17 to 1-12 success against Tipp.
Craig O’Sullivan accounted for six points of an early Cork barrage. The Na Piarsaigh sharp-shooter would end with 10, six from play.
It got even better in the 20th minute when Colm Garde’s sideline cut was batted to the net by Sam Ring. They led 1-9 to 0-5 and maintained that advantage to the break, ahead by 1-12 to 0-8.
Tipp were back in the contest when Tommy O’Meara swept the sliotar to the net in the 32nd minute.
Cork kicked on in the final quarter as Seán Coughlan pressed the keeper to kick the ball home.
Meanwhile, Tipp corner-back Conor Collins was sent off for a second yellow as they ended with 14.
