In an exhilarating opening sequence of the game, Cork’s Robert Downey showcases his skills. Seizing a puck-out mid-air from Peter Duggan, Downey lands on his own 65-yard line. Igniting a lightning-fast sprint, his teammates swiftly clear his pathway towards the goal. Duggan is left in his wake as Downey unleashes a thunderous finish using his stick. This magnificent goal was a highlight of the All-Ireland final, padding Cork’s lead against Clare (1-7 to 0-3).
As the 17th minute rolls around, Aidan McCarthy fires a powerful strike for Clare. Clinging to a slim hope of a comeback, Clare needed a strong hit, not just jabs. McCarthy’s goal is largely creditable to Shane O’Donnell’s elusive agility. After weaving past Ciaran Joyce, he sends Duggan off, and deftly navigates around Joyce and the Downey brothers, opening a window for McCarthy to score. A swift pivot and McCarthy’s shot blazes into the net, marking the score at Cork 1-8 Clare 1-4.
The 51st minute sees an audacious goal by Tony Kelly. Collecting from David Fitzgerald at a 30-meter distance, even with Seán O’Donoghue closing in, Kelly permits himself a touch of showboating. Applying a backhand touch to set up a shot, Kelly strokes the ball past Patrick Collins for an elegant finish, pushing Clare ahead of Cork with a score of 3-15 to 1-18.
In the climactic 69th minute, Patrick Horgan faces a pivotal decision presided over by referee Johnny Murphy. Robbie O’Flynn, having reached a loose ball, has his advance halted by David McInerney. A crucial question hangs in the air – was that an intentional trip? Murphy rules it wasn’t. This could have radically altered the match as Cork could have gained a penalty, and McInerney (already with a yellow card) could have been sent off. The score now stands at Clare 3-20 Cork 1-24.
In the final stages of the game (86-87 minutes), Eibhear Quilligan pulls off a world-class save, and Tony Kelly stamps his authority with another point. The tension is palpable, the stakes are high, and only the best will prevail.
Robbie O’Flynn managed to get past his opponents, with only Quilligan standing in his way. However, his subsequent shot was likely premature and too elevated – regardless, Quilligan managed to deflect it using his stick and Clare successfully cleared it. Almost immediately after, Kelly performed commendably, securing his fourth point of the match. He moved swiftly from the wing, smoothly controlling the ball, and sliced through the point that gave Clare the final leading edge. From then on, their opponents couldn’t keep up. The final score: Clare 3-27, Cork 1-32.