Even the enforced absence of centre back Brian Corcoran with a minor injury couldn't deter Cork from completing their Division One "B" programme unbeaten with an uninspiring victory over Laois in Fermoy yesterday.
Cork were in experimental mode, assured of their semi-final place before the start, with a couple of newcomers getting an opportunity to stake a claim for inclusion in an attack which is still taking shape.
Sean O'Farrell, a promising under-age player, grasped his chance with an impressive display, scoring 0-3 from a couple of positions in the full forward line, before fatigue set in.
Laois asked questions of Cork when PJ Peacock flicked home a huge, wind-assisted free by goalkeeper Ricky Cashin for their only goal after 44 minutes to put them 1-7 to 0-9 ahead.
The response took less than a minute as Cork surged down field for Fergal McCormack to set up Alan Browne, who duly hammered in a goal at the other end.
That appeared to knock a lot of the heart out of the Laois challenge as they were only able to score one more point in the remaining time - courtesy of David Cuddy - while late points from McCormack and midfielder Pat Ryan ensured Cork won their section.
Cork opened with the strong wind at their backs and a 0-6 to 01 lead after 17 minutes indicated their superiority. Pat Mulcahy, Corcoran's deputy, settled in well to a defence which dominated along the right flank in particular, with solid displays from Fergal Ryan and Mark Landers.
Cork's win sets up a mouth-watering semi-final with All-Ireland champions Clare.
Cork: D Og Cusack; F Ryan, J Browne, D O'Sullivan; M Landers, P Mulcahy, S Og O hAilp in; P Ryan (0-5), A Walsh (0-1); S Mc Grath (0-1), F McCormack (0-3), B Egan; K Morrison, A Browne (1-0), S O'Farrell (0-3). Subs: T McCarthy for Egan and J Deane for O'Farrell.
Laois: R Cashin; B O'Shaughnessy, R Fogarty, B Maher; N Rigney, P Cuddy (0-2), A Bergin; O Dowling, D Conroy; PJ Peacock (1- 0), D Rooney, D Cuddy (0-6); F O'Sullivan, O Coss, C Cuddy. Subs: S Dooley for O'Shaughnessy
