Denis Walsh penned it as an All-Ireland final filled with captivating disarray and tremendous turns, with Clare claiming victory by a whisker after an exhilarating near-hundred minute game. In Sean Moran’s match commentary, the match was described as an “unbelievable” display that left the full-home crowd emotionally exhausted, terming the match a climactic finale to a fascinating championship season. There was dismay for Cork, but according to Nicky English, Clare, the deserved champions, were praised with a special mention for two individuals, Shane O’Donnell and Tony Kelly, with the latter registering some incredible scores.
Gordon Manning had a chat with O’Donnell after the game, a decade plus one summer on since the then 19-year-old made a mark with his hat-trick in an All-Ireland final rematch. He mused that if 2013 introduced him as a football prodigy, 2024 was the year that established him as one of the crucial players in the history of Clare hurling. The exceptional Kelly can also stake a claim to this title. “His skills are so exceptional, it leaves one in awe”, O’Donnell said of his leader. Malachy Clerkin also gave a nod to Kelly’s brilliance, noting his knack for pulling out the necessary wizardry to see Clare through to victory. Despite only scoring nine in Denis and Gordon’s player ratings, many believe Kelly deserved full marks. Nevertheless, he took solace in receiving the Liam MacCarthy cup – and no one rejoiced more than his manager, Brian Lohan, who was thrilled he was the one lifting the trophy. His goal? As Malachy dubbed one of the game’s major events, it was something special indeed.
The vibe was starkly different in the Cork crew post-match, with Paul Keane reporting from a disheartened manager Pat Ryan. As pointed out by Paul Fitzpatrick in The Schemozzle, the game saw the sides draw level fifteen times on what turned out to be an unforgettable day at Croke Park. Denis reflected on the stadium as a place which fashions dreams yet shatters them simultaneously.
Tony Kelly masterly pulled tactics out of his hat when Clare desperately needed them, cementing his status as a key player. Clare fully comprehends that fleeting moments can trigger seismic shifts in sports. Despite dismay at his Open performance on Saturday, Shane Lowry remains hopeful.
Mary Purcell, a versatile and pioneering athlete, revealed that all seemed achievable for her. Women from counties Galway and Kerry secured places at the tournament venue by clinching victories in their respective All Ireland football semi-finals on Saturday. For Galway, it’s their first time reaching the final since 2019 after triumphing over Cork, while Kerry made it to their third consecutive final by defeating Armagh.
Switching to the golf course, Philip Reid covers the successful British Open endeavour of Xander Schauffele and also shares insight from Shane Lowry. Lowry experienced unfortunate setbacks on Saturday, dashing his hopes for a second title. However, he is now setting his sights on the upcoming Olympic Games, where earning a medal is the ultimate goal. Similarly aiming for a medallion is Rhasidat Adeleke – though as Ian O’Riordan highlights, her performance in the recent 200m Diamond League run showed how stiff the competition is, reminding her of the struggle to procure a position on the victory stand.
Moving on to football, Richard Fitzpatrick informs us of Atlético Madrid’s initiative to scout skilled, young, Irish football hopefuls. The club has initiated an official academy in Dublin to aid in this quest.
On your tellies tonight, TG4 is the channel to keep an eye on. It will be showing highlights from the hurling All Ireland final at 8:00 pm, a spectacle not to be missed. Plus, if you’re keen on catching the best moments from the Tour de France, stick around for the 9:00 pm slot.