2,000 fans turned up in Fraher Field on a wet, windy and bitterly cold Saturday afternoon to support former Waterford hurler Brian Greene in his battle with cancer as well as Waterford Hospice.
All Ireland runners-up Cork recorded a 1-15 to 0-10 win in Peter Queally's first game in charge of the Déise. A first half goal from Declan Dalton, after a delightful Padraig Power flick, was the highlight. Shane Bennett slotted six points for the hosts while Sean Walsh and Seamus Fitzgerald also caught the eye.
Cork took the field with six of the team that started the All Ireland final defeat to Clare last July. With the benefit of the elements, Pat Ryan's men raced eight points up after 16 minutes. Alan Connolly raised two white flags while Robbie Cotter, Padraig Power, Ben Cunningham, Cormac O'Brien and Ethan Twomey also worked the umpires. It got so dark in Dungarvan that the floodlights were switched on.
Waterford eventually opened their account from a Shane Bennett free on 18 minutes. From the next Cork attack, Declan Dalton batted the sliotar past Shaun O'Brien after a lovely flick inside from Padraig Power (1-8 to 0-1). The Rebels nearly added a second as Déise netminder O'Brien saved from Brian Hayes before captain Iarlaith Daly cleared off the line from Alan Connolly. Dalton pointed the subsequent 65. Cunningham's second point gave the visitors a twelve point advantage (1-10 to 0-1).
A superb catch and solo run from Sean Walsh set up a point for Reuben Halloran at the other end. Walsh then got on the scoresheet himself. A Connolly free sent Cork 1-11 to 0-3 ahead at the break. Cork number one Patrick Collins saved from Thomas Douglas in injury time.
The rain continued to bucket down throughout the second period. Shane Bennett slotted three points for the hosts before Tom O'Connell came off injured. Subs Shane Kingston and Jack Cahalane kept the scoreboard ticking for Cork.
Shane Bennett shrugged off two Cork tackles to strike his fifth second half effort and sixth in total. Willie Beresford shot a point with his first touch. Both sides emptied the benches as Brian Roche wrapped up an eight point victory for the Rebels.
