LAST week we rejoiced in recalling the last 10 occasions that Cork had defeated Kerry in championship.

This week, it is time to delight in looking back at victories over the one county whose scalp is possibly prized even more than the Kingdom’s. Tipperary! OK, maybe it’s just me, although then again I live in a house where two young fellas with Tipp DNA. 

How I long for those magical years from 1969 to 1987, when Tipp only managed a solitary win over Cork in 12 meetings. Unfortunately, Cork are on a poor run against Tipp over the past decade or so, with just two wins garnered from 11 meetings.

1. 21 May, 2017: Tipperary 1-26 Cork 2-27:

This was a thrilling surprise in Semple Stadium, as they knocked reigning All-Ireland champions Tipperary out of Munster with a display of wonderful, wristy hurling. Cork unearthed five mushrooms that day, as five young Rebels made their debuts. One of those, Shane Kingston, announced himself with 1-4 from play, while another, Luke Meade, registered three first-half points that set the tone.

It was arguably Conor Lehane’s finest performance in a Cork jersey, hitting 0-10, although it was debutant Michael Cahalane who struck with the late winning goal.

2. 30 May, 2010: Cork 3-15 Tipperary 0-14:

Tipperary would bounce back and win the All-Ireland come September, but their boys took one hell of a beating that day down Da Park. The then 21-year old Pádraic Maher received an unmerciful roasting from giant full-forward Aisake Ó hAilpín, and although the Na Piarsaigh man only scored 1-1 for himself, he was instrumental in the other two goals, which were bagged by a young Pa Horgan.

3. 25 June, 2006: Cork 2-14 Tipperary 1-14:

Semple Stadium was packed to the rafters that day for a ‘real’ Munster final. This Cork team were going for three All-Ireland’s in a row at the time, something that the one-in-a-row specialists Tipp can only dream about, although led by the magnificent Eoin Kelly pushed Cork all the way.

The difference ended up being Ben O’Connor’s brilliant first half goal. It was the perfect example of the way that Cork team used to work the ball through the lines, as they caressed the sliotar with pace and elegance up the right sideline and when Tom Kenny found Ben O’Connor in the right corner, the Newtown man blasted past Brendan Cummins.

4. 26 June, 2005: Cork 1-21 Tipperary 1-16:

Another Munster final triumph, except this time on Leeside. The city had been packed the night before. The Tipp fans had travelled early. They were hungry. They still would be by 5pm the next day.

Cork just had too much scoring power on that sunny afternoon, despite wonderful displays from Eoin and Paul Kelly. Joe Deane, Ben O’Connor, Fraggie Murphy and Niall Ronan matching Tipp’s score between them, as the reigning champions marched on.

5. 2 July, 2000: Cork 0-23 Tipperary 3-12:

Cork jabbed Tipperary into submission with sublime points from the lightweight trio of Joe Deane (10 points) and Ben O’Connor and Seanie McGrath (0-3 each). The biggest talking point leaving Thurles was Donal Óg Cusack jumping on the back of Tipp full-forward Paul Shelley and pulling him to the ground to top a goal.

Tommy Dunne scored two crackers in the second half, which threatened a comeback, but crucially he missed that penalty.

6. 7 June, 1992: Cork 2-12 Tipperary 1-12:

The world, and poor Pat Fox, was introduced to a young Brian Corcoran that day, as Cork sought, and found, revenge for 12 months previous.

The legendary Canon Michael O’Brien motivated his side in his own unique manner beforehand. In a room at Jury’s Hotel he hung a Cork jersey and a Tipp one and asked his players for the difference.

The answer?

“I’ll tell you the difference. See that one? That’s the blood and bandages of Cork. See the other one? It has a big yellow streak running through it!”

7. 15 July, 1990: Cork 4-16 Tipperary 2-14:

The famous ‘Donkeys don’t win derbies’ final. It hardly matters that Babs didn’t really say it.

Every hurling fan in Ireland can probably tell you what Mark Foley scored that day. Correct, 2-7, from play!

8. 7 July, 1985: Cork 4-17 Tipperary 4-11:

The last game pre-Babs, and another close game. The emerging Nicky English scored 2-3, but Cork had too much up front. John Fenton scoring 1-6, while a certain Jimmy Barry-Murphy registered 1-3 in his final game against the Premier.

9. 15 July, 1984: Tipperary 3-14 Cork 4-15 Possibly the most famous Cork win over Tipp, ever!

Tipp were four points up with four minutes to go and ended up losing by four. Liam Sheedy’s brother John was the goalkeeper that day and will forever be remembered for batting down a Tony O’Sullivan point attempt that allowed Seanie O’Leary to poach the vital goal. 

The win was more painful in Tipp due to the fact that it was centenary year and the All-Ireland final was in Thurles. Oh, and Cork won that too!

10. 30 May, 1982: Cork 1-19 Tipperary 2-8:

At this point in the rivalry it was just a routine win over Tipp. Bigger challenges lay ahead. Within a couple years Tipp would be getting close though.