Noel Furlong full of praise for Cork U20s' character after win over Waterford

Cork U20 hurling manager Noel Furlong hailed the character of his side in putting themselves on the brink of a Fulfil Munster U20 semi-final spot.

Last Wednesday night in Dungarvan, Cork scored six of the last seven points to beat Waterford by 0-16 to 0-13, James O'Brien scoring 0-10 while Darragh Heavin and captain Barry O'Flynn impressive. Given that they were without senior starlet Barry Walsh, the manner of the victory underlined the wherewithal within the team to get a positive result.

“It was unbelievable,” Furlong said.

“At half-time there and ten minutes into the second half, it looked as if things were going away from us and we just couldn't get any rhythm in the game.

“But, in fairness, that last 20 minutes, when we were looking for lads to stand up and show character and show what pride they had to play for this team, it was just an incredible performance.

“Most games are won in that period and our lads made all the big plays and they really stood up and took control of the game.”

While Cork led by 0-6 to 0-5 at half-time, on the restart it looked as if Waterford would make use of the strong wind.

“We found it very difficult in the first half with that wind,” Furlong said.

“Waterford were packing bodies back. They’re the best defence in the competition and we found it very hard to break them down.

“We had serious questions at half-time and, in fairness, we made a few re-adjustments, we brought in some subs and they all made a massive difference.

“Once things started to open up, it really showed the lads’ want for the game and want for the fight.

“We were really just thrilled to come out of there, a really difficult place to come, with a three-point victory. We couldn't be happier.”

With Waterford having lost to Clare and Tipperary – with whom Cork now share the lead in the group – by just a point each, it meant they had to win to stay alive and Furlong knew exactly how big a challenge it was for his side.

“We've a brilliant group,” he said.

“They're unbelievably tight, they're unbelievably hard-working and, you know, that's what we're trying to instil in them for Cork hurling.

“You've seen the grit in them there and the determination in the last 20 minutes in particular. Nothing better than coming down against all the odds, in a very difficult situation and putting in a performance like that and getting a victory is massive for our group.

“I think somebody said that it was seven points to one in the last 15 or 20 minutes, which is incredible, against a very good Waterford team who have All-Ireland minor winners, who have All-Ireland senior club winners, unbelievable management team.

“They’re very well-coached and a very good team. It was especially pleasing that, when the game was there in the melting pot, that our lads stood up and took control of it.”

It means that Cork’s last round-robin outing, at home to Clare, will essentially serve as a chance to secure a home semi-final, possibly against the same opposition. Furlong is keen to take the momentum from the Waterford result.

“That's exactly it and we would have taken your hand off before the game,” he said.

“We know Clare are going to be a massive challenge but this puts us in a really good position now from confidence levels, from squad competition levels, I don't think we had any injuries, which is great.

“So it's onwards and upwards for our group from here.”