'You let people down...' Alan Connolly gives insight into Cork's All-Ireland final defeat

Tipperary’s relentless workrate was the key factor in the All-Ireland SHC final turnaround, Cork attacker Alan Connolly believes.

The Rebels’ wait for the Liam MacCarthy Cup moved into a 21st year after a good half-time position was squandered at Croke Park on July 20.

Tipperary’s use of a sweeper was pinpointed as a major reason for Cork’s malfunctioning as a six-point lead turned into a 15-point loss but Connolly feels it can be put down to something more primal.

“Tipp went after us,” he says.

“They tackled more. It was literally it. We just got shocked by it.

We kind of had an idea they would play with a sweeper. I don’t think it was tactically they won – it was more that they wanted it more.

“They were relentless in tackling. Just went after us. It wasn’t really tactical, I’d say.” 

Blackock sharpshooter Connolly was speaking to promote the club’s car raffle fundraiser in association with Cogans Toyota, which offers the prize of a brand-new Toyota Yaris Hybrid worth €30,000.

“It kind of started after the Limerick game down the Páirc last year,” he says.

“Like, that was our first win in Munster that year. To see that crowd, that reaction, to realise ‘they are still following us now even though we are after losing a few games, that drove us on.

“We rolled off that for the year. So, coming into this year, we knew they would be behind us no matter what.

It gives you so much pride and confidence going into the season. 

"When I was younger, I tried to go to every match with Cork but it was never [as big as] that.

“And it’s after growing even more in 2025. I can only imagine what it will be like in 10 years’ time.” 

SACRIFICE

The flipside of such a bond means that, when there are days like the All-Ireland final - Cork were outscored by 3-14 to 0-2 in the second half, there is a strong sense of guilt.

“Yeah, of course,” Connolly says, “there is always that element that you let people down.

“It’s not just the fans. You are letting yourself down, more importantly, and then there was Pat [Ryan], the management, your family.

Your family sacrifice a lot the whole year for you to play intercounty. It is tough on them.” 

Not to mention the rumours that began to spread around the county and country in the wake of the defeat.

“Yeah, of course,” Connolly says.

“It is tough seeing stuff online as well, because none of it was true. That was hard for us. We kind of laughed it off.” 

Naturally, adding to the disappointment was the fact that the game was Patrick Horgan’s last as a Cork player and Pat Ryan’s last as the manager. However, the wheel keeps turning and Connolly is keen to get going with the new manager, Ben O’Connor.

“Of course, obviously he was a forward as well,” he says.

“I haven't met him yet, so I'm looking forward to having a meeting now and stuff like that, and seeing how training goes. It's really exciting. It's an exciting time.

“We're still a good team and stuff. We still have the same players. There's new players coming in and hopefully we can bounce off each other as well.”

• Tickets for the Blackrock fundraiser, priced at €20 each or €50 for three, are available from www.idonate.ie/raffle/BlackrockHurlingClubRaffle2025