Declan Dalton says taking the last-gasp penalty that earned Cork their place in this year's Munster U21HC final was the most pressurised moment of his hurling career.

The goalkeeper-turned-poacher from the Fr O'Neill's club held his nerve to fire past Waterford goalkeeper Billy Nolan and hand the Rebels a dramatic 2-17 to 1-19 victory at Walsh Park.

"I've taken a few penalties with Imokilly and O'Neill's but nothing with the pressure like that," Dalton is quoted as saying in the Evening Echo.

"Thank God it went in but it's not just about me because the boys stood up. They put in some work for the last 10 months. You just have to power through. Even when Darragh (Fitzgibbon) got sent off we'd the time for one more play and that's why always have to believe."

Cork will go in search of a clean sweep of Munster hurling titles when they face a fancied Limerick side in the U21 decider on July 26.

"We've a great set-up, John (Meyler) and all the lads are so professional and we can look at a Munster final now and try to push on. We just want to show people what we can do," added Dalton, who hit 1-12 in a man of the match display.

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