MUNSTER IHC FIRST ROUND/Cork 2-16 Tipperary 2-12:HOLDERS CORK produced a strong second-half performance at Semple Stadium yesterday to reach the provincial semi-final.

Cork centre forward Michael O’Sullivan bagged a ninth-minute goal as the visitors struck the game’s first notable blow.

But Tipp, who trailed by four points approaching half-time, produced a run of 1-2 before the break, including a goal from Philip Ivors, to establish a 1-8 to 1-7 interval lead.

Colm Casey’s 38th minute goal put Cork firmly in the driving seat and they went on to lead by eight points before Tipp hit back with a late run of 1-2.

Sub Liam Dwan scored a 57th minute goal to give Tipp a slight glimmer of hope but last year’s beaten All-Ireland finalists held out for a deserved win.

CORK: D McCarthy; J Carey, R Cashman, S White; T Healy, M Ellis, S Corry; B Corry (0-1), M Sexton (0-5, four frees); D Drake (0-4, one sl), M O’Sullivan (1-2), C Casey (1-1); J Wall (0-1), T Murphy (0-2), B Lawton. Subs: B Withers for White (h-t), E Conway for O’Sullivan (60 mins).

TIPPERARY: J Logue; A Byrnes, G Hannigan, K Maher; J Moloughney (0-1), T Stapleton (0-1, free), R Sherlock; J Ryan (0-2, one free), P O’Dwyer (0-1); D Hickey (0-1), W O’Dwyer, P Austin; E Sweeney (0-1), P Ivors (1-2), R McLoughney (0-2 both frees). Subs: B Fox (0-1) for P O’Dwyer (27 mins), D O’Brien for Austin (40 mins), D O’Brien for W O’Dwyer (47 mins), L Dwan (1-0) for R McLoughney (50 mins), T Dalton for Ivors (55 mins).

Referee: D O’Driscoll (Limerick).

Cork’s third successive victory against Tipp at this grade sets up a semi-final meeting with Clare on June 19th. Waterford clash with Limerick in the other semi-final on June 12th in Thurles.