Additional reporting Daragh Ó Conchúir
The Déise women needed a ten-point win over the rebels in order to make it to the next round of the League.
However a ten-point win over the rebels is no easy feat, and in reality, a good performance against their Munster rivals is what they were aiming for going into the match.
Cork put over a succession of points in the opening few minutes followed by a goal in the 8th,.
Cork's Orla Cronin shot seven points while Chloe Sigerson relished a more advanced role and contributed 1-3 and Amy O’Connor repeated her two-goal show of the previous round.
The one concern for the Rebel manager Paudie Murray will be the head injury that forced the early departure of Laura Treacy but she was able to take her place with the rest of the subs later in proceedings.
It took Waterford until the 14th minute for Beth Carton to put a point on the board for the Déise.
The De La Salle woman showed her usual class when it came to the frees, with Carton also putting over two points from play in the first half.
Niamh Rockett put her name on the board for the first time in the 17th minute with a point from play, while a new addition to the squad Vikki Falconer was lively in the full-forward line adding to the board with a point in the 31st minute.
A fantastic point from Cork's Laura Hayes was among the first-half highlights, the half-back taking a pass from Ashling Thompson, who was among the scorers herself in a commanding midfield performance alongside Katrina Mackey.
Waterford’s Beth Carton takes on Cork’s Katrina Mackey. Photo: Noel Browne
Déise second-half comeback
A stunning solo goal by Cork's Chloe Sigerson in the 43rd minute was followed by Amy O’Connor’s second just over 60 seconds later, after Thompson had found the Killeagh woman, who in turn put it on a plate for her ever-threatening teammate and that was curtains.
However, the two quick Cork goals in the second half didn't injure the Déise's morale and after a water break, in the second half, they really showed their ability.
The Waterford midfield and half-forward line were a force to be reckoned with Sarah Lacey scoring a point in the 46th minute.
That was quickly followed by two points from her partner in midfield Beth Carton.
The Déise finally hit the net in the 53rd minute, after Beth Carton took a short free which was caught by Niamh Rockett who buried the sliotar past Cork goalkeeper Amy Lee.
And De La Salle's Abbie Flynn put her name on the board with a point in the 58th minute.
Today's result puts Tipperary and Cork top of the Group 2 table, with Waterford now facing a relegation playoff in their league campaign.
Final score at Walsh Park, Waterford 1:13, Cork 3:15.
