HS hurling team of the week
August 14, 2017
A Waterford and Cork fan make their way to Croke Park for the All-Ireland SHC semi-final clash between the two counties.
©INPHO/Ryan Byrne.
Waterford secured their first All-Ireland SHC final appearance in nine years at Cork's expense yesterday. Here's our team of the week...
1. Stephen O'Keefe (Waterford)
The Ballygunner stopper kept a clean sheet, pulling off a smart save from a Conor Lehane shot in stoppage time, and went about his business with a minimum of fuss.
2. Colm Spillane (Cork)
Didn't let the Rebels down and gave as good as he got in his personal tussle with Shane Bennett.
3. Barry Coughlan (Waterford)
The Waterford defence restricted Cork to 12 points from play and Coughlan enjoyed a solid outing in the number three jersey.
4. Noel Connors (Waterford)
Tasked with the job of policing Alan Cadogan, the two-time All-Star defender came out on top in that individual contest.
5. Christopher Joyce (Cork)
Won't care to be reminded about coughing up possession in the lead-up to Jamie Barron's first goal but gave a good account of himself overall.
6. Conor Gleeson (Waterford)
Completely nullified the threat of Conor Lehane but his display was tainted by the red card which means he will miss the All-Ireland decider.
7. Philip Mahony (Waterford)
Luke Meade won't recall being marked by Mahony with any great fondness after the Cork forward was called ashore during the half-time break.
8. Jamie Barron (Waterford)
Produced a trademark all-action display and his industry was rewarded with a return of 2-1.
9. Darragh Fitzgibbon (Cork)
The Charleville youngster can't be faulted for effort and never let his head drop throughout the absorbing contest.
10. Kevin Moran (Waterford)
Didn't waste any time in getting stuck into the Rebels and the Waterford captain led by example in sending over four points from play.
11. Austin Gleeson (Waterford)
Produced two moments of magic in the second-half to steer the Deise into the hurling calendar's blue riband event but will he be eligible to line out against Galway?
12. Pauric Mahony (Waterford)
Pipped Barron in the scoring stakes with an 0-8 tally which included two white flags from play.
13. Patrick Horgan (Cork)
Kept the scoreboard ticking over and finished with 12 points to his name but his woes were compounded by a late red card.
14. Michael Walsh (Waterford)
Used his experience and strength to telling effect and found the back of the Cork net in the first-half.
15. Darragh Fives (Waterford)
Took over sweeper duties from the suspended Tadhg de Burca and produced a performance that the Clashmore-Kinsalebeg clubman would have been proud of.
