Cork and Waterford hurling clashes always matter more along the border

Timmy McCarthy, Cork, is tackled by Waterford players Tony Browne and Declan Prendergast. Picture: Ray McManus/SPORTSFILE
Cooper, who was an inspirational figure in Imokilly’s domestic dominance, has proved to be a natural leader in the county jersey, doing a superb job in a variety of positions. Saturday’s clash in Thurles will see Cooper begin his quest for a fourth Munster senior medal.

There too, Waterford hurling folk will be no less determined to earn the spoils of victory after two successive winless championship seasons. They will, in fact, be seeking what would be only the Suirsiders’ 16th championship win against Cork.

“Overall, the past 20 years has been a vintage era in terms of matches between the counties, but the 2004 meeting in Thurles has to be the highlight. It was such a spectacle that on the day even Cork fans applauded at the end, despite the result going against them.
