Talking points as Cork storm into All-Ireland final
Cork's Mark Coleman gets off his pass from Dublin's Diarmaid Ó'Dúlaing during the All-Ireland SHC semi final at Croke Park . Picture: Eddie O'Hare
The outcome was hardly a surprise. The Rebels were raging-hot favourites.
But few expected this.
As Kingfishr’s Killeagh rang around Croke Park, Cork had just rattled in seven goals against Dublin to book their place in the All-Ireland Senior Hurling Championship final. A 20-point win in a semi-final – clinical, ruthless, emphatic.
Cork had gone four weeks without a game. Dublin, fresh from wins over Kildare and Limerick, had momentum. It could have made things tricky. It could have caused problems.
But instead Cork were relentless. From the off they were bloodthirsty. Four goals in the first half. It couldn’t have been a better start for the Munster champions.
For some teams, a break disrupts rhythm. Not Pat Ryan’s Cork. Their speed, sharpness, and sheer intent left Dublin flailing.
Alan Connolly and Brian Hayes did the damage up front – but every man played his part. Darragh Fitzgibbon and Tim O’Mahony were tireless in midfield. Mark Coleman, Ciarán Joyce and Seán O’Donoghue pumped ball after ball into a rampant forward line that couldn’t be contained.
Two weeks earlier, Dublin dismantled Limerick with a performance widely hailed as the best of the season. That day, they looked a class above.
But on Sunday, in the All-Ireland semi-final, it was Cork who reached a level their opponents simply couldn’t match.
Dublin weren’t just flat – they weren’t allowed to perform. Seán Currie and Ronan Hayes were shut out. John Hetherton struggled to leave a mark. Cian O’Sullivan’s 2-5 aside, Cork’s full-back line barely gave an inch.
Cork’s forwards charged at Dublin time and time again. The Dubs just could not contain them.
It was dominance. Clear and total.
The sea of red in the stands told you everything before throw-in. Their roar echoed around HQ all afternoon – and the team responded in kind.
You’ll struggle to find a side in either code backed like these Cork hurlers. They brought the energy, and the players matched it every step of the way.
Now, just one more win stands between Cork and glory. One win to end the drought. One more win, and these Cork hurlers will go down in the history books as the ones who achieved what hasn’t been done in 20 years.
With Munster and Division 1A titles already secured, this is a chance to complete the treble – and finish a near-perfect season in the most spectacular fashion.
That chance arrives on July 20.
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