Kildare floored Cork with an upset eight point victory in Thurles.
Cork went into the game as favourites but Kildare looked far the better team throughout.
The seven day turnaround following the Munster final loss to Kerry will likely be cited as a reason by the disappointing Rebels performance.
For the Lilywhites, it was a victory which was immensely enjoyed by players, supporters and manager Jason Ryan.
The reward for Kildare is an All-Ireland quarter-final against Kerry at Croke Park next weekend.
Picture credit: Stephen McCarthy / SPORTSFILE