Waterford 1-16 Cork 1-15
Waterford summoned a performance of considerable worth to oust a below par Cork from the Munster Senior Hurling championship at Semple Stadium today.
Justin McCarthy's side, who await the winners of next weekend's semi-final clash between Tipperary and Limerick, were slowly into their stride as Cork found the lead early through Joe Deane.
But Waterford soon settled as Paul Flynn etched his mark on proceedings. The free-taking corner forward kept Waterford in touch throughout and scored 12 points (3 from play).
The sides matched each other score for score in a sluggish first half but it was Cork that gained the upper hand minutes before the interval.
Joe Deane gracefully twisted his way through the Waterford half-back line but scuffed his scoring attempt. The ball, however, worked its way to full forward Eamon Collins and he outfoxed his marker to drill home for the game's first goal. Cork led 1-7 to 0-9 at half-time.
As the teams settled for the second-half it became clear that Waterford's appetite for victory was immense. Waterford, who sprung the inspirational but not fully fit Ken McGrath from the bench during the first half, attacked from the restart.
As the rain belted down on the Thurles pitch, Waterford half-back Tony Brown broke into the Cork half. Within scoring range, he hurled the sliotar towards the posts, but the ball dipped over the heads of the Waterford full forward line and past the stricken Cork netminder Donal Og Cusack.
Waterford had forced Cork into a state of panic and enjoyed firm control in most areas on the field. Flynn pointed Waterford into a five point lead but Cork, through their fine full forward line of Ben O'Connor, Eamon Collins and Joe Deane, staged a revival and bridged that gap within minutes.
The sides drew level for the seventh and final time at 1-15 apiece, but with the game edging into the second minute of injury time substitute Ken McGrath drilled over the winning score to condemn Cork to the All-Ireland qualifier series.
Meanwhile, league champions Tyrone were sent crashing from the Ulster championship in Clones today. The reigning champions had their hands full against Armagh in the replay of their quarter-final clash.
Armagh, under the guidance of manager Joe Kernan, showed real character throughout the exhilarating contest and won through courtesy of two timely goals.
Tony McEntee found the net deep in injury time at the end of the first half following fine support work from Aidan O'Rourke and Kieran Hughes.
Tyrone started the second half well and had their opponents troubled for lengthy periods. However, Armagh put the result beyond doubt late on when substitute Barry Duffy was sent through for a goal.
GAA Results
Ulster SFC, Quarter-finals
Armagh 2-13 Tyrone 0-16
Down P-P Donegal
Connacht SFC, Quarter-final
Leitrim 0-15 London 0-10
Leinster SFC, Quarter-finals
Offaly 0-13 Laois 2-6
Kildare 0-12 Louth 0-11
Ulster SHC, Semi-final
New York L-L Antrim
Munster SHC, Semi-final
Waterford 1-16 Cork 1-15
Leinster SHC, Quarter-final
Dublin 1-24 Meath 2-12
L: Late result
P: Postponed (rescheduled for Saturday, June 1st)