TV view: Donal Óg Cusack pays tribute to Cork and Clare hurlers for producing an epic final

A traumatic loss for Cork as they suffered an extra-time defeat to Clare in one of the best hurling finals of all time.

As the Cork players looked shell-shocked at the final whistle they had to witness the Clare captain Tony Kelly heaping praise on his manager and many of their backroom team.

Eventually after various interviews, it was back to the studio for the pundits to reflect on this classic game with Donal Óg Cusack summing it up.

"Sport can sometimes be beautiful and cruel and we saw today that Cork will be very disappointed with this loss but look you had 67 scores out there today and only lose out by one is credit to the mentality and courage of this squad.

“Clare have had some major disappointments and credit to them they doubled down today and if there was ever an example of resilience after watching their neighbours Limerick win the last four All-Irelands they have at last witnessed their moment in the sun."

Despite losing Cusack believes Cork will learn and come back to contest more All-Ireland finals.

"You cannot ask any more from players what our Cork lads gave out there today and if they show the same attitude as Clare have shown in their many defeats to Limerick they will surely be back here sooner than later.

There are some very talented players in this Clare team and they will know they should have more than one All-Ireland under their belts." 

Anthony Daly was naturally elated.

“I think some of the social media cheap shots on this Clare team over the years was grossly unfair and I think Brian Lohan showed his true character when he gave the team a week off after losing the Munster final.

“The management in general have been brilliant and today it all came together and I think overall these lads deserve to be on the right side today.

“This win will celebrated big time and I have to compliment this great Cork team on their contribution to a memorable final." 

After a gripping 70-plus minutes was relieved.

“Credit to Patrick Horgan with his free-taking they are the hardest shots to take as the pressure was on and they certainly will test the skills level and mentality of any hurler."

The former Cork goalkeeper also paid tribute to the late point scored by Tony Kelly what looked a match-winning score before Horgan’s levelling point.

“It was a point that will be looked back on for many years and probably was worthy of winning an All-Ireland final but fair play to Cork they never left them out of sight."

Liam Sheedy praised the Rebels in the manner they stuck to the task.

“Fair play to Cork they looked to be on the ropes but they stood tall when the game was in the balance and in the end they probably deserved their extra time opportunity."