After a trophy-less season for Crowley in 1981, Cork returned to their winning ways the following year. A massive 5–31 to 3–6 defeat of Waterford gave Crowley his fifth Munster medal. Cork subsequently faced rank outsiders Kilkenny in the All-Ireland final on 5 September 1982. The opening eighteen minutes were frantic, however, a Noel Skehan save from a Seánie O'Leary shot inspired Kilkenny. A brace of goals from Christy Heffernan in two minutes just before the break gave the Cats a commanding 2–11 to 0–7 lead. Cork rallied after the restart, however, Skehan was the hero for Kilkenny as they powered to a 3–18 to 1–13 victory.