The Echo Sport Podcast: Cork hurlers' All-Ireland final meltdown, what went wrong and what next...
Éamonn Murphy in The Echo podcast studio. Picture: Chani Anderson
We thought it couldn't get any worse than the 2021 hammering at the hands of Limerick. We were wrong.
Cork's second-half meltdown against Tipp will leave lasting scars on the Rebel faithful.
It was Cork's fifth defeat on the biggest day of the season at Croke Park since their last victory and by far the most devastating. Despite a six-point half-time advantage, Cork wilted in the face of serious Tipp heat, the pressure of ending a long wait without Liam MacCarthy no doubt playing a major part in the implosion.
We look at the issues surrounding the All-Ireland that contributed to the team's failure to perform.
Why were they not better prepared to cope with a sweeper when it was well flagged up in advance that Liam Cahill could throw a tactical curveball to cut out the goal threat?
Did Pat Ryan and his selectors make the right calls on the line, especially when Eoin Downey picked up a yellow card coming up to the break and was subsequently sent off?
Is there a mental weakness there that means Cork can't deliver when they're heavy favourites? After all their statement wins over Limerick in the Munster final and in 2024 were when they were underdogs?
The Echo Podcast also discuss Pat Ryan's future, now his three-year term is officially over.
Which young hurlers are best placed to push into the team for 2026? William Buckley, Darragh O'Sullivan, Micheál Mullins and Jack Leahy are among the rookies with great potential.
Clare and Tipp have both landed two All-Irelands apiece since they last lifted the Munster trophy, which takes the shine off the victory in the Gaelic Grounds back in June. But a bit of perspective is needed.
Now in its third season, every week Éamonn Murphy will be joined by The Echo team including Barry O'Mahony, Denis Hurley, Rory Noonan, Jack McKay, John Horgan and more to discuss all the latest Cork GAA news on and off the field.
You can listen to the Echo Sport Podcast every week wherever you get your podcasts or on www.echolive.ie/podcast
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