No joy for Queally's Déise in Brian Greene fundraiser
Waterford's Shane Bennett bursts through the Cork defence during the Friends Of Brian Greene Fundraiser played at Fraher Field. Photos: INPHO/James Lawlor
2,000 fans braved the wretched January weather in Fraher Field on 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. "I'm overawed to be honest," said an emotional Greene who attended the game along with his family.
A first half goal from Declan Dalton, after a delightful Padraig Power flick, was the highlight of the hour. Shane Bennett slotted six points for the hosts while Sean Walsh and Seamus Fitzgerald also caught the eye.
Despite the wind, the rain and the perishing cold, some hardy souls stood on the bank for the full sixty minutes. 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 that the floodlights were switched on.
Waterford eventually opened their account vua a Shane Bennett free on 18 minutes. From the next Cork attack, Declan Dalton batted the sliotar home after a lovely flick inside from Padraig Power (1-8 to 0-1). The Rebels nearly added a second goal 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 teem down throughout the second period. Shane Bennett slotted five more singles for the hosts with Sean Walsh and Willie Beresford also on target. Cork subs Shane Kingston, Jack Cahalane and Brian Roche wrapped up a pillar to post victory.
