Pat Ryan says Cork hurlers will look to match footballers of 2010

Cork hurling manager Pat Ryan told the fans at Monday evening’s homecoming at SuperValu Páirc Uí Chaoimh that the side will look to emulate the 2010 footballing vintage.

Returning from Dublin, the panel and management were feted by supporters who braved passing showers, having been earlier entertained by a number of musical acts.

Speaking to Patrick Mulcahy of RebelsOnline, who provided a free stream of proceedings, Ryan paid tribute to the turnout and those who had backed them all year.

“It’s fantastic to come back to this reception,” he said.

“The lads left everything out there and represented the jersey well and that’s all we can ask for.

We’ve had fantastic support all year and it really made a difference, especially in the game here against Limerick, which will live long in the memory.

“From myself, the management and the players, I want to give them special thanks.”

That 3-28 to 3-26 victory was the turning point in Cork’s season after opening with Munster SHC defeats to Waterford and Clare.

“For Shane Kingston to win a fantastic penalty and then Hoggy [Patrick Horgan] to put it in the net, that showed fantastic character,” Ryan said.

“Then, obviously, to go to Thurles the next week, a place we all love going, and beat Tipperary.

APPRECIATE

“The semi-final against Limerick was fantastic too, a packed house in Croke Park. We know how much it costs to go to games and bring kids, so we really appreciate that effort. Hopefully, we’re inspiring a new generation and we’re really proud of our lads.”

While Mulcahy suggested that the work for 2025 starts straightaway, Ryan felt there was time for an extra bit of rest but expressed the hope that it can be the year that wait for the Liam MacCarthy comes to an end.

“We might take a week off!” he laughed. “Obviously, it was very disappointing but we couldn’t fault the lads, there was only a puck of a ball in it.

“Well done to Clare, they’re a fantastic team with a fantastic manager. The lads will go back to their clubs now, who they represent so well, and we know they’ll perform well.

“We’ll move on and 2025 is a new year. 

Obviously, we wanted to end a 19-year wait and now it’ll go to 20 but I got a lovely text from Conor Counihan, who said that Cork lost the 2009 football final and came back to win in 2010.

“We’ll try to do something similar.”

County board chairperson Pat Horgan thanked those who attended, the players for a magnificent year, the management and backroom team, those who organised the event and Cork GAA’s sponsors.

Musician John Spillane then played The Banks of My Own Lovely Lee and The Boys of Fairhill for the crowd.

Prior to the team taking the stage, KC of RedFM was the master of ceremonies as the crowd were entertained by Myles Gaffney, J90 and The Frank and Walters.

The Lord Mayor, Cllr Dan Boyle, and deputy county mayor, Cllr Séamus McGrath, also spoke.