We all knew Cork football was in a bad way but we thought Peader Healy's men would coast to victory against Waterford tonight in Fraher Field.
Instead they held on for dear life and were frankly lucky to beat the Deise 1-12 to 1-11.
It was downright ugly for Cork. Waterford had a plan for neutralising Cork - setting up ultra-defensively - but Tom McGlinchey's charges only won 2 games in Division 4 this year. Cork may be in decline but they should be able to beat Waterford by 5+ points every time they meet. Alan O'Connor was sent off for a terrible tackle and were it not for a few late questionable refereeing decisions, Waterford might have drawn the match, or possibly won it.
Where would Cork be without 36-year-old Donnacha O'Connor, who rescued the Rebels with three points off the bench?
Everyone was shocked.
This was every bit as tight as scoreboard says. Tipperary won't lose any night's sleep. pic.twitter.com/LoDPFXmY45
— Kieran McCarthy (@KieranMcC_SS) May 27, 2017
Cork hang on by one 1-12 to 1-11. Well done Waterford, but Cork? The management need to pick their words carefully tonight.
— Michael Foley (@MickFoley76) May 27, 2017
Just in case the stat is needed - 1960 Munster SFC SF in Lismore was Waterford's last football championship win over Cork
— Cork's RedFM Sport (@BigRedBench) May 27, 2017
Mother of God. Cork just scrape past Waterford footballers by a single point.
— Mike Quirke (@Mike_Quirke) May 27, 2017
Cork win by a point after epic game for the ages in Fraher Field against Waterford #CorkvWaterford #GAA
Cork fans everywhere right now... pic.twitter.com/C1vgUHzny1— Deluded Frank Murphy (@DeludedFrank) May 27, 2017
Cork will now host Tipp in Pairc ui Rinn on June 10. On tonight's evidence, it sure looks like Tipp can look forward to another Munster final tilt at the Kingdom.
