'I'm praying that Cork will win': Fans have their say on All-Ireland hurling final

Tension and excitement are being felt in equal measure across Cork city and county ahead of Sunday's massive All-Ireland final as the Rebels get set to take on Tipperary.

With the final the big talking point The Echo took to the city centre to gather the thoughts of fans eagerly awaiting the showdown.

Holly Scott, Elverys employee, Farranree: “I think Cork have had a good run all season. So hopefully they can do it this year. I think all of the young kids have taken to this team very well.

“There is a lot of excitement, even when customers come up to the till, they would be talking about how much they love all of the players and everything. So it is lovely to see.”

Kayleigh O’Sullivan, Elverys employee, Ballyvolane: “There is a great buzz, especially with the Cork team doing so well this year. Hopefully now they will win it.

“They are playing so well. It would be great to see them win, especially with myself being from Glen Rovers with Rob being the captain and hopefully Hoggie after all these years playing getting an All-Ireland medal.”

May Morrissey, Gurranabraher: “There absolutely is great excitement for the last two weeks since they beat Dublin in the semi-final.

“Everybody is talking about it, something good happening here now at the moment. It will be a great match on Sunday. I will have to watch the match at home in my front room. I wouldn’t go up there, too much of a big crowd. I love the quiet in my own house.”

Sheila Cremin, South Douglas Road: “I am looking forward to it, can’t wait. There is fierce excitement around.

“I think Cork will win on Sunday. There is a buzz around, especially for all the younger people. They love the match, and the older people love the match.

“I wouldn’t pay €100 for a ticket, and it is €100 for children’s tickets as well. It is expensive for people.”

Francis O’Donnell, Mayfield: “I am fairly confident. Cork didn’t win it for 20 years, so they’ll be determined, and nothing is going to stop them.

“Tipp are good. But I am praying that Cork will win. I love Cork, I was born in Dublin, but I back Cork to the hilt for next Sunday. I won’t be able to get a ticket. The thing about it is, I have great time for the GAA, but they are not looking after the old people.”

Jason McCarthy, Cobh: “Cork needs it, and it needs the younger generation to have these role models to look up to. I couldn’t believe it is 20 years since they won the All-Ireland. There’s kids walking around that have never seen Cork win an All-Ireland.

“There’s a few of the senior Cork hurlers, the likes of Seamus Harnedy and Patrick Horgan, they do deserve some medal for their efforts.”