CORK WERE CROWNED Munster intermediate hurling champions on home soil this evening with a 4-15 to 2-8 win over Tipperary at Páirc Uí Rinn.
David Drake was the star man for Cork as he bagged a hat-trick to help the Rebels win their first title at this grade since 2010 and claim their seventh crown in the last 12 years.
Cork got off to a terrific start with two early goals from Drake helping them move into a 2-6 to 0-4 lead at the break.
Their advantage became even more commanding after the interval when Mark Sugrue, a Munster U21 football winner with Cork this year, fired home their third goal as Cork went 3-13 to 0-4 clear at one juncture.
Tipperary did rally with Michael Sheedy and Kieran Morris both getting through for goals. But their hopes of launching a sensational comeback were dented when Sean Curran was sent-off soon after.
Drake rounded off Cork’s victory when he bagged the third goal to complete his hat-trick and ensured they claimed the silverware to move onto the All-Ireland semi-final stage.
Meanwhile in Leinster tonight, Cavan ran out 1-11 to 1-7 victors over Longford in the provincial junior football final at Glennon Brothers Pearse Park.
Cavan were in front by 0-6 to 0-4 at the break with Enda Reilly and Paul O’Connor showing up well in the scoring stakes.
Longford fought back to draw level at 0-7 apiece entering the final quarter. However Cavan kicked for home in style with Tom Hayes, Liam Buchanan and Reilly on the mark.
The crucial score arrived courtesy of the first goal of the game from Paul Smith in the 52nd minute and despite a late Andrew Dalton goal for Longford, it was Cavan who ran out four-point winners.
