The Waterford minor footballers suffered a 40 point loss to Cork in the Dungarvan sunshine (5-28 to 0-3) as the rampant Rebels progressed to a provincial semi final against Kerry on July 30.
Full forward Jamie O'Driscoll netted a hat trick while Darragh O'Brien and Niall Daly also raised green flags. Hugh O'Connor kicked nine points, Niall Kelly knocked over eight from play while Ross Corkery, son of Cork legend Colin, settled for seven. The Déise have never defeated Cork at minor level.
Two goals in as many minutes from O'Driscoll left the Rebels 24 points up at the break (2-18 to 0-0). The home side missed two goal chances during that first half. On four minutes, Adam Murray found Liam Lynch behind the Cork cover but he dragged his shot left and wide. With Waterford ten nil down, Sam Pender was through one on one with Mikey O'Connell but the Cork keeper deflected his shot away for a 45.
Adam Murray got the hosts on the scoreboard from a free on 34 minutes. The Rathgormack man converted two more consolation scores.
Darragh O'Brien blasted home a third goal just before the second water break. His shot was so fierce that it knocked the green flag to the ground. O'Driscoll completed his hat trick ten minutes from time. Sub Niall Daly then fired a fifth to the top corner.
The final whistle was a relief for Waterford.
