Reigning champions Kilkenny got the defence of their Allianz Hurling League title off to a good start when out-classing Cork.
The Cats, who lost the corresponding clash last season, turned in a very strong second half to take the spoils as they prepare for a trip to Ennis to face Clare next weekend.
Cork were out-worked and out-played during the second period as the scoring exchanges for the half went 1-10 to 0-07 to the home side.
Ironically, Kilkenny’s winning burst was launched just after they missed two handy frees early in the second half.
Their spirits were lifted immediately when Billy Ryan fielded a high delivery from Richie Leahy before shooting to the net to leave Cork 0-11 to 2-09 behind.
Kilkenny added the next point too, and from there to the finish there was a greater purpose and directness to their play than was the case with Cork.
Cork's attack was well held by the winners, and the home half-back line of Conor Delaney, Paddy Deegan and Enda Morrissey hardly gave the opposition a sniff.
Cork didn’t threaten a goal until the hour mark when Eoin Murphy brought off a super stop from top scorer, Patrick Horgan, who was put through by Declan Dalton.
The opening half produced 19 scores but it was a tame enough affair as both teams employed a largely short delivery, keep-ball game.
Cork, with free taker Patrick Horgan their main scorer with seven points, showed in front most often as the opening eight points were equally divided.
Kilkenny hit the front for the first time in the 20th minute when Kevin Kelly pointed a free (0-5 to 0-4). When Kelly punished a foul on Billy Ryan shortly afterwards the home side began to look a bit more dangerous.
When Kilkenny finished a lovely move involving Kevin Kelly and Billy Ryan with sub Richie Leahy flicking the ball home from the edge of the square at the county end in the 27th minute they showed 1-6 to 0-5 in front.
Cork kept with the game plan, and late scores from Horgan (3) and Cormac Murphy saw them reduce the interval deficit to 0-10 to 1-8.
However, John Meyler's side were unable to keep pace with the hosts in the second half and Kilkenny rocketed away to victory.
Kilkenny: E. Murphy; P. Murphy, H. Lawlor, T. Walsh; C. Delaney (0-02), P. Deegan (0-01), E. Morrissey; J. Maher, C. Fogarty (0-01); J. Donnelly (0-02), G. Aylward (0-02), G. Malone; B. Ryan (1-01), K. Kelly (0-08, 0-07f, 0-01 65'), L. Scanlon.
Subs: R. Leahy (1-00) for G. Malone (inj) 18th min; C. Browne (0-01) for Maher 44th min; L. Blanchfield for Scanlon 56th min; P. Lyng for Aylward 63rd min.
Cork: A. Nash; S. McDonnell, D. Cahalane, C. O’Sullivan; C. Joyce, T. O’Mahony, S. O’Donoghue; C. Cahalane, C. Murphy (0-04); D. Kearney (0-01), D. Dalton (0-01), L. Meade; J. Coughlan, A. Walsh (0-01), P. Horgan (0-10, 0-05f).
Subs: J. O’Connor for J. Coughlan ht; C. Lehane for C. Cahalane 42nd min; D. Lowney for C. O’Sullivan 52nd min; M. O’Halloran for L. Meade 62nd min.
Referee: J. Owens (Wexford).
