A Story of Redemption and Triumph
The All-Ireland hurling final on Sunday was a tale of redemption, showcasing the resilience and determination of Tipperary’s players. Darragh McCarthy, a 19-year-old, had twice left the field with red cards this summer. However, by the end of the match, he was walking out of Croke Park with 1-13 to his name and the Liam MacCarthy Cup after Tipperary’s dominant 3-27 to 1-18 victory over Cork.
This win also marked a significant moment for Liam Cahill, who faced criticism at the start of the season but ended it with an All-Ireland title following one of the most remarkable second-half displays ever seen on Jones’s Road.
A Historic Victory
For Tipperary, this was their 29th All-Ireland title, while Cork continued to endure the pain of another loss. The game was the first time Tipperary had beaten Cork in a senior Championship final since 1991, ending a long drought—though not the one many had anticipated.
Cork entered the match as strong favorites, having defeated Dublin with a seven-goal margin. They aimed to add the Liam MacCarthy Cup to their League and Munster titles, ending a 20-year wait for a championship win. However, the game proved to be far from a walkover, with clear warnings from past encounters.
A Tale of Two Teams
Brian Murphy highlighted in the match programme the 2018 Under-21 Championship when Cork dismantled Tipperary in Munster only to lose in the final against a team managed by Cahill. Many of those players, including Darragh Fitzgibbon, Shane Kingston, and others, were back in the same position, facing each other in an All-Ireland decider. Once again, Cork were expected to win, but once again, Tipperary took home the cup.
The day began with a sea of red and white fans descending on the capital, eager for the game. It was a day that captured the magic and mayhem of the fans, with photographers capturing the atmosphere. Hats, flags, and headbands were sold from makeshift stalls, and despite the clouds, the rain never came.
John Allen, the last Cork manager to win the cup in 2005, reflected on the pre-match dressing room energy, describing the moments of concentration before the teams took the field. Cork went out first, warming up at the Hill 16 end, ready to give their all for the ultimate prize. Tipperary followed shortly after.
President Michael D Higgins received a warm welcome as he met the teams ahead of what would be his final hurling final as president. Next year, someone else will take his place on the red carpet.
A Battle of Wills
Patrick Horgan, at 37, was one of the key players for Cork, chasing his first Celtic Cross. Much of the pre-match talk revolved around his performance and Cork’s chances. They started strongly, with Horgan scoring an early free.
However, the match unfolded differently than expected. McCarthy, who had been sent off earlier in the summer, moved freely and caused problems for Cork, while the Rebels’ full-forward line struggled to find their rhythm. Ronan Maher disrupted Brian Hayes, but Horgan kept the scoreboard ticking for Cork, who led by six at halftime.
Despite the early advantage, Tipperary came out swinging in the second half, quickly closing the gap. John McGrath’s goal sent shockwaves through the stadium, and Cork goalkeeper Patrick Collins was left in despair. As the game slipped away, RTÉ cameras focused on Pat Ryan and the Cork bench, with fans chanting “Tipp, Tipp, Tipp.”
A penalty from McCarthy in the 54th minute gave Tipperary a six-point lead, and McGrath’s goal six minutes later sealed the victory. Noel McGrath added a point in injury time, completing the impressive comeback.
A Moment of Reflection
As Ronan Maher collected the cup, he paid tribute to the late Dillon Quirke, a member of the 2018 Under-20 team. He said, “You were in our hearts, we hope we did you and your family proud today.” He also thanked Cahill, shouting, “Liam MacCarthy is coming home” as Bruce Springsteen’s “Glory Days” played.
McCarthy admitted there was never any doubt in the Tipperary dressing room, even when Cork led by six at halftime. “The conversation was all positive. We kinda planned for that. We said, ‘If we’re five or six down at half-time, we’re not going to panic. We know what we’re capable of.’”
He added, “We’ve come back from worse margins before. We won’t panic. If we play our game the way we know we can play, we’re capable of beating any team. Stick to the process.”
They did just that, delivering a performance that will be remembered for years to come. After being sent off earlier in the summer, McCarthy’s phone was flooded with messages from his teammates. Last night, it was likely ringing again, celebrating a historic victory.
