Observe, the All-Ireland hurling final with no controversies. It’s been long since we saw such a matchup. Limerick’s spectacular play lost its fascination for impartial spectators fairly soon post 2018. No disrespect meant, lads – but a breath of freshness is undeniable this weekend.
Either it will be Cork’s triumph or Clare’s. Regardless of the result, it’s unlikely that anyone beyond the involved counties would have strong preferences. It’s been a 19-year wait for Cork and 11 for Clare. If anyone begrudges either county their magical journey tomorrow, they likely have greater concerns than the outcome of a hurling match.
Unless of course, you hail from Tipperary. In that case, may your deity be with you.
Paradise reclaimed: Tony Kelly’s opportunity for redemption finally comes for Clare.
Jimmy Barry-Murphy stated with regret, ‘The one I can’t forget is 2013. Each day starts with me thinking about it’.
Malachy Clerkin presents 40 reasons why neither Cork nor Clare should be begrudged an All-Ireland final victory.
The Italian fans of Cork heading to Croke Park to cheer ‘forza ribelli’.
To make this moment even more enjoyable, we present 40 reasons why nobody can be vexed at Cork or Clare winning.
1 A determination of “We will make it.”
2 Growing affection after everything we’ve faced.
3 Patrick Collins’ attempted two saves from Aaron Gillane and Seamus Flanagan, then celebrated like a wild ox in the semi-final.
4 Eibhear Quilligan’s four first half saves against Kilkenny, without them the comeback wouldn’t have been possible. One of these goalkeepers is likely to get his first All-Star. Good luck to him, whoever that is.
5 One day Denise O’Sullivan is playing at Páirc Uí Chaoimh, the next she’s scoring the opening goal against France. Cheer to Knocknaheeney.
6 Shane O’Donnell unabashedly aspires to be an astronaut a good 25 years after most lads have abandoned such dreams.
The 1999 image of JBM holding aloft the treasured Liam McCarthy springs to mind. Then there’s his legendary flick against Galway in 1983. The man with the towering stature of six foot two, charming blue eyes, whom we all adored: Jimmy Barry-Murphy.
Let’s not forget Ger Loughnane, the multifaceted man in sideburns: the skilful player, the compellingly strategic manager, and the fiery, gun-ready commentator. Every time he appeared on screen, remote controls lay untouched. His grin, borderline psychotic, always added to the excitement of the show.
How could one not mention The Sultans Of Ping FC, Martin Hayes, Microdisney and Sharon Shannon? And RecordWatch, where Patrick Horgan is set to reclaim the crown as the highest scorer in the history of the championship on scoring his third point in the final. The gargantuan scoring legacy he and TJ Reid (706), have created may take decades to even get close to. They have left the previous record-holder, Joe Canning (567), far behind.
If Adam Hogan is tasked to tackle Horgan, it would poetically be Hoggy being marked by The Hog. Interestingly, Hogan was merely five years old when Horgan began his career with Cork. Then there are unforgettable personalities like Des Lynam, Graham Norton, Michael Cusack, and Pádraig Ó Chaoimh.
Cork thrashed Limerick twice this season, while Limerick beat Clare on both occasions. However, Clare turned the tables on Cork when they clashed. It’s anyone’s guess how the table will turn next.
We can’t overlook Marty Morrissey’s resounding scream of “Holy Moses” during the unforgettable moment when Domhnall O’Donovan’s last-minute score forced a replay in 2013. Currently, O’Donovan resides in Madison, Wisconsin, and is employed by the Kerry Group. That remains his only score for the Clare seniors – a fact made more astounding by the previous game where 14 out of the 15 starters, including the keeper, had scored. O’Donovan saved his moment for the final. What a wonderfully unpredictable game!
In the 2024 championship, Cork led with 16 goals, followed by Clare with 12. The four consecutive wins of Limerick had goal totals of 3, 8, 8 and 9. Isn’t this exciting?
Again, no slight intended towards the people of Limerick. Diversity makes the world entertaining.
Not to forget the likes of Keith Wood, Ronan O’Gara, Anthony Foley, and Peter O’Mahony.
Tony Kelly has been carrying the might of underperforming Clare teams to the All-Ireland final for years. Unfortunately, things have often turned out contrary to the plan.
Seamus Harnedy, with numerous years as the principal ball-winner for Cork, enduring physical punishment, is now only 70 minutes away from a glorious victory.
Let’s remember Dalo’s Hurling Podcast and Reggie, from the Blackrock Road.
Brian Lohan shared essential wisdom, “Intercountry hurling is a tough sport. It’s hard, ruthless and brutal.” All former Clare players have their significant spots. Dalo is always a popoular figure, Jamesie is respected universally. With Davy, well, things are always complex. But Lohan, Lohan is worshipped. Picture the impact a fifth All-Ireland victory would have.
As Pat Ryan rightly puts it, “.Back in Cork, it would be unrealistic to contain the excitement. Even a win in a Tiddlywinks match gets us on cloud nine.” Ryan fought chronic myeloid leukaemia diagnosed in 2018 and battled it using chemotherapy and medication until he reached remission. An All-Ireland final seemed a distant dream back then.
Well, the dream has come true this weekend.
We wish everyone a Happy All-Ireland hurling final. Let the celebrations begin!