NATIONAL HURLING LEAGUE: Division One B
Cork 1-10 Kilkenny 0-12
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A wonderful point from Sean Ó HÁilpin in the dying seconds was enough to give Cork a deserved victory over All-Ireland champions Kilkenny at Pairc Ui Chaoimh this afternoon.
The Leesiders started brightest in a frantic encounter and were two points to the good inside twelve minutes.
Kilkenny, who started with the inspirational DJ Carey in midfield, were slow to get going in the forward line and indeed should have found themselves further behind had the Cork forwards been more clinical with their chances.
Kilkenny got going as the half progressed and some good scores from Stephen Grehan and Henry Shefflin in particular, brought them to the break level with Cork, on seven points apiece.
Cork were given the perfect start to the second period when Sean McGrath was able to put the ball behind the Kilkenny keeper and into the net.
This spurred the All-Ireland champions on and the Cork defence with Pat Mulcathy in particular, were really put to the test. Scores from John Corcoran and Alan Geoghegan brought the Cats to within a point as they surged forward in the dying minutes.
When Henry Shefflin cleared the bar from midfield it appeared that they may escape with a result but up stepped Sean Ó HÁilpin to slot the ball home with literally the last play of the game, to ensure justice was served.