Cork wear down battling Waterford to stay on track for camogie hat-trick

Irish Examiner

3 days ago

All-Ireland camogie semi-final: Cork 1-21 Waterford 1-11
A Saoirse McCarthy-inspired Cork eventually wore down Waterford in the Glen Dimplex All-Ireland senior camogie semi-final at UPMC Nowlan Park on Saturday. The Rebels stellar championship run, which sees them unbeaten since Galway overcame them in the round-robin two years ago, ensures they stay on track for three-in-a-row All-Ireland titles.
This feat was last achieved by Cork between 1970-1973.
No doubt Galway will have something to say about that in two weeks time when these familiar foes meet for a second year running in what should be another fascinating showdown in Jones Road (5.15pm throw-in).
Today's encounter was a far cry from when Cork totally outclassed Waterford in the 2023 final, the south-east side were in this game right up until the fourth quarter, only to be overrun in the closing stages.
Twelve of that starting team lined out in this penultimate round.
The finishing touches to the Cork victory were applied by substitute Orlaith Mullins who entered the fray three minutes from time and ended with a hefty 1-2.
But it was McCarthy who shone the brightest, scoring seven wonderful points - three from play.
There was one change to Ger Manley's side with Katrina Mackey replacing Clodagh Finn after the Fr O'Neill's forward picked up an injury during the week.
Keeley Corbett Barry, left, and Orla Hickey of Waterford react after their side's defeat in the Glen Dimplex All-Ireland Camogie Senior Championship semi-final match between Cork and Waterford at UPMC Nowlan Park, Kilkenny. Photo by Ben McShane/Sportsfile
Being able to call on a player of that calibre tells how strong this panel is, and the Douglas forward ended with four points.
In front of an attendance of 7,120 spectators, Cork won the toss and elected to play against the wind and while they were first on the scoreboard through an Amy O'Connor free, Waterford's response four minutes later from a Niamh Rockett placed ball was a significant reply.
The teams traded points before Waterford, mainly through the brilliance of Beth Carton, moved into a 1-4 to 0-3 lead midway through the half.
The De La Salle attacker's first point could well have been a green flag but her shot sailed over the bar.
She made no mistake on the quarter hour mark when she moved into space and was set up by Mairead O'Brien and her finish was low to the far corner.
Emma Murphy and Sorcha McCartan white flags were cancelled by Carton and a Rockett free - Waterford keeping their noses in front as the wind appeared to swirl, 1-6 to 0-5.
Cork came more into the game through the next four points - three of these excellent returns from the speedster McCarthy to draw level.
But with corner-forward Kate Lynch playing a deep role for Mick Boland's outfit, Abby Flynn pushed her side into the lead, 1-7 to 0-9 at the interval, after she capitalised from a long Rockett free.
The first 10 minutes of the restart was frenetic.
Cork obviously benefitted from a good half-time pep talk with Katrina Mackey showing the way with a trio of points, Cork were beginning to work their way back. The Rebels would outscore their opponents six points to two.
Waterford did well to keep the ball out of the net in the 38th minute, as the scores at the other end started to dry up. This due to the Cork rearguard maintaining a strong defensive shape.
The champions clearly had got any rustiness out of the system from their four week lay-off since competitive action.
As the third quarter came to a conclusion, the lead had extended to 0-16 to 1-9.
Rockett ended a 12 minute drought for Waterford with a 48th minute free.
There was no let up from Cork, McCarthy landing another brace.
The alertness of Brianna O'Regan in the Waterford goal denied Cliona Healy, but O'Connor split the posts from the '45.
Mullins put the icing on the cake in the first minute of stoppage when she was picked out by Orlaith Cahalane.
Scorers for Cork: S McCarthy (0-7, 0-4 frees), O Mullins (1-2), K Mackey (0-4), A O'Connor (0-3, 0-2 frees, 0-1 45), E Murphy and S McCartan (0-2 each), L Hayes (0-1).
Scorers for Waterford: B Carton (1-4), Rockett (0-5, 0-3 frees), L Bray and A Flynn (0-1 each).
CORK: A Lee; P Mackey, L Coppinger, M Cahalane (Capt); A Healy, L Treacy, L Hayes; H Looney, A Thompson; E Murphy, S McCartan, E Murphy; O Cahalane, K Mackey, A O'Connor.
Subs: C Healy for E Murphy (53), M Murphy for A Thompson, O Mullins for S McCartan (both 57), A Fitzgerald for L Hayes (62).
WATERFORD: B O'Regan; A McNulty, K Corbett Barry, V Falconer; B Bowdren, R Walsh, O Hickey; L Bray (Capt), A Flynn; E O'Neill; B Carton, E O'Neill, M O'Brien; A Fitzgerald, N Rockett, K Lynch.
Subs: T Power for B Bowdren (40), M Gostl for M O'Brien (46), M Comerford for A Flynn (55), N Ahearne for A Fitzgerald (63).
Referee: Gavin Donegan (Dublin).