'To be down one man from the very start is a major blow': Rebel delight at sold-out Páirc

Red was the theme of the day yesterday, as Cork secured their first Munster Senior Hurling Championship win of 2025 on home ground at a sold-out Supervalu Páirc Uí Chaoimh on Sunday evening.

42,231 supporters were in attendance to witness Cork beat Tipperary, 4-24 to 0-21.

Cork supporter Paddy McSweeney from Carrigaline said “a lot happened there in the first few minutes” when Tipp’s Darragh McCarthy was red-carded for an off the ball incident.

“The red card in the first minute was madness,” Mr McSweeney said.

“McCarthy on the Tipp team was nearly the hero of the match last week when they went up against Limerick, his free out gave them the tie. You would wonder if Tipp could have showed a better side if that hadn’t happened so early, to be down one man from the very start is a major blow,” he said.

The early moments of the game were filled with excitement, especially for nine-year-old Saidbh Regan who attended her first game in Supervalu Páirc Uí Chaoimh.

“It was my first time seeing a hurling match,” she said.

“I got a new Cork jersey for my ninth birthday last week and I wore it today.

“We are going for ice creams now to celebrate.”

Cork’s win comes as the hope continues to build around the possibility of Liam McCarthy making it Leeside in 2025.

Patricia Looby of Ballintemple believes that the Cork hurlers will live up to the hype this summer.

“I think Cork can go all the way,” she said.

“This is their year for the All-Ireland and you would love to see Hoggie win one after all the years — he deserves the win.

“I would nearly start booking my hotel in Dublin now so I will be all set for the final in Croke Park in July.”

Kiely Power was supporting local, with an uninterrupted view of goalie Patrick Collins from her native Ballinhassig.

“Our own Patrick Collins was magic in the goals,” she said.

“We were on the Blackrock end and there in the first half Tipp chanced their arms at a few goals and watching him in action up close was brilliant.

“My youngest son plays in goals and he was delighted to see the saves.”

Michael Barrett of Watergrasshill told The Echo: “It was a beautiful game; we had the lead and we held onto it.

“Cork were a bit sluggish coming out after half time and Tipp added a few more points the board and I had a moment where I was worried that they might add a goal into the mix.

“Thankfully we woke up fairly quick and that last goal had the win in the bag for us.”