Cork manager John Meyler said he was determined to give youth a chance after his side's three-point win over Kilkenny in the opening round of the national hurling league in Pairc Ui Chaoimh on Saturday evening.
The Munster men trailed by the minimum at half-time but a strong second-half performance saw them come through on a scoreline of 1-24 to 0-24.
Meyler's side produced a late burst in an elongated period of stoppage time caused by a lengthy delay following an injury to Kilkenny captain Cillian Buckley.
The Cork manager told RTÉ Sport he was delighted with the win and was particularly pleased by the efforts of his younger charges.
"Delighted with the second half performance, especially," he said
"It was really good. [We] got some critical scores there and really stood up to it.
"Kilkenny being Kilkenny, they really took the game to us, with the likes of TJ Reid coming on in the second half. Look, we've a lot of work to do to catch up but we're delighted with the performance.
"They're young fellas. We had them last year with the 21s so we have to use them. Jack O'Connor came on and got a great point.
"I don't know what crowd was here tonight but the two stands were full. There was great excitement. Kilkenny always come to play. So look, it's a great night for us."
Meyler is up against the county of his birth next time out as Cork travel to Wexford Park next Sunday.
