2019 senior football champions Rathgormack survived a second half comeback from Clashmore/Kinsalebeg to prevail by 3-16 to 3-12 after a cracking contest at Fraher Field.
Two wonder points from Waterford captain Conor Murray saw them take the spoils.
“It might be a great advertisement for Waterford football but it’s not good for our hearts!” manager Ger Power told WLR Sport.
Rathgormack led by eleven points during the first half as debutant Ronan Eliffe goaled twice and Stephen Curry also found the net. Jonathan Walsh, Josh Fitzgerald and Aidan Trihy raised green flags for Clashmore to level the match at 3-12 apiece with six minutes left. Corner forward Paul O’Connor struck four points.
Late singles from Murray, Michael Curry and Stephen Curry saw Rathgormack over the line. Clashmore were clapped off the field by their supporters.
