Waterford v Cork: How the Rebels' new faces fared
Cork's William Buckley about to challenge Tom Barron of Waterford during the Friends of Brian Greene fundraising challenge match at Fraher Field. Picture: Eddie O'Hare
Darragh O’Sullivan was named at corner-back for his senior debut, partnering Ger Millerick and Niall O’Leary in the full-back line, while Micheál Mullins was right half-back – with new captain Robert Downey having to cry off, Cormac O’Brien came into the side at wing-back with Ciarán Joyce (skipper for the day) moving to centre-back.
O’Sullivan showcased the same tidy play that had characterised his performances in winning All-Ireland medals at minor and U21, helping to nullify the Waterford full-forward line as goal chances were kept to a minimum.
Mullins was able to provide some excellent diagonal passes from deep, though given the conditions, there were few opportunities for marauding runs up the flank, another asset of his. It was interesting to note that, when Mullins was replaced at half-time, the sub was Conor Cahalane, a player most often used by Cork at wing-forward or midfield.
The partnership of Luke Meade and Ethan Twomey had both seen an adequate amount of game-time during last year’s championship and it was hardly surprising that they gained a foothold there.
Twomey has developed physically since first being called up in 2023 and he landed a fine first-half point from an angle where one might not have expected him to shoot. When the duo were brought off, the additions of Darragh Fitzgibbon and new vice-captain Shane Barrett ensured no loss of know-how.
No greenhorns starting, though Ben Cunningham at right half-forward and Robbie Cotter on the inside line had not featured in the 2024 championship – while Pádraig Power had appeared as a sub after coming back from injury, he was limited to just eight minutes.
All three got on the scoresheet, Cunningham sending over a pair of first-half points, though the going was tough in the second period as Cork tried to play into the stiff breeze.
Power’s lovely play for Declan Dalton to get the only goal of the match was one of the stand-out pieces of skill – anticipating that Patrick Collins’ puckout would drop between the two Waterford defensive lines, he was on to the ball quick but had passed it on just as swiftly, giving the Fr O’Neills man an easy task.
Newcomers Jack Cahalane, William Buckley and Alan Walsh were among the second-half intake, with former county footballer Cahalane having the best cameo as he scored a point of his own and set up another for Shane Kingston.
It is expected, though, that they will all be afforded a greater outing against UCC in the Canon O’Brien Cup on Thursday night, with the team set to be rotated heavily. Another challenge match on January 18 will also provide an opportunity for management to assess their options before the Allianz Hurling League begins a week later.
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