Cork minor hurling team staged a superb late rally to defeat Wexford GAA minor hurling team by 2-18 to 2-15 in a dramatic Electric Ireland All-Ireland MHC preliminary quarter-final at FBD Semple Stadium.

For over 50 minutes, Cork struggled to contain an impressive Wexford side who looked on course for victory after building a 1-15 to 0-13 advantage. Jack Tobin was central to Wexford’s dominance, finishing with 1-5, while Seán Kavanagh contributed three excellent points during a spell where the Leinster side completely controlled proceedings.

Cork, however, refused to panic. Substitute Liam O’Regan sparked the comeback with a valuable point before captain Eoin Considine, pushed from wing-back into full-forward, reacted brilliantly to finish to the net after Stephen McHugh’s delivery caused confusion in the Wexford defence.

That goal transformed the game. Cork levelled through Cormac Murphy after excellent work from centre-back Dave Nolan, and the Rebels suddenly carried all the momentum. Another substitute, Sam McCarthy, proved hugely influential, first putting Cork ahead with a point before later firing a decisive second goal following good approach play involving Considine and Conor Ronayne.

Ben Power led Cork’s scoring with 0-7, while McCarthy finished with 1-2 and Considine added 1-0. Cork also received important contributions from Murphy, Callum Coffey and Nolan.

Wexford did grab a late goal through Jamie Downey after a strong run from Jack Furlong, but McCarthy settled Cork nerves with the final point as the Rebels completed an unlikely but deserved turnaround to keep their championship alive.