When you bring your manager to the verge of tears with a victory, you know you’ve done a good job…
Cork hurling is back and there is no denying it.
Munster senior and minor champions, and now in an u-21 provincial decider after last night’s heroics in Walsh Park, who could have foreseen such a revival in the Rebel county’s small ball fortunes this time last year?
Last night’s stunning smash and grab win over Waterford in their own back yard is concrete evidence of the wave of momentum behind the hurlers of Cork at present.
Coming away with a one-point victory on a scoreline of 2-17 to 1-19, it was a penalty which proved to be the last puck of the game that won it for Cork in the most dramatic of fashion.
Deep into the five minutes of additional time at the end of the second half, the Déise were two points to the good when referee Fergal Horgan awarded a dubious penalty to the visitors. There were question marks as to whether the on rushing Cork attacker was hauled down inside or outside the box, and it did appear as though the young Rebel had caught the ball three times in his effort to get to goal.
However, it was given, and Deccie Dalton, who was man of the match on the night, stood up to bury the sliotar to the back of the net under severe pressure to take his personal tally to 1-12 and send Cork into the Munster final.
Declan Dalton of @OfficialCorkGAA broke Waterford hearts with a last minute penalty! Here's his #LaochBGE performance! #HurlingToTheCore pic.twitter.com/LODbRB6W4w
— BGEGAA (@BGEGAA) July 14, 2017
The home side will be hugely disappointed to have surrendered their All-Ireland crown at the first hurdle but they will feel as though they were robbed by the decision to award the controversial penalty.
Next up for Cork is a formidable looking Limerick team in the final on Wednesday 26th June. With the role Leeside hurling is currently on, however, who would bet against Cork?
Check out their manager, John Meyler’s epic reaction to the brilliant victory last night, where emotions were clearly running high and his passion is clear for all to see:
John Meyler, Cork bainisteoir, gets very emotional after his sides injury time victory over Waterford in the Munster under 21 hurling SF. pic.twitter.com/qI7V4Mta43
— GAA BEO TG4 (@GAA_BEO) July 14, 2017
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Be sure to check out the latest episode of our weekly GAA podcast, The 16th Man.
https://soundcloud.com/punditarenagaa/discussing-corks-win-over-clare-and-the-leinster-senior-football-final-between-kildare-and-dublin
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