Cork’s defence of the Allianz Hurling League title opened with a comfortable victory over Waterford at SuperValu Páirc Uí Chaoimh on Sunday afternoon.
A crowd of 20,464 was present for Ben O’Connor’s first game in charge at the venue – the fourth successive ‘regular’ home league game to have a crowd in excess of the teens – while the result extends to eight the unbeaten record at the venue across league and championship.
Given that Cork were able to start ten of the All-Ireland final starting side and a callow Waterford lacked their Ballygunner contingent as well as a number of other key names, a home victory was to be expected but the manner in…