Cork and Tipperary to prevail in festival of hurling
There's always something particularly special when I get to sit in the car and head towards Jones's Road in Dublin for the knockout stages of the Liam MacCarthy, where I am reminded of how lucky I once was to be the player on the field for these games.
This week is different as for the first time in what feels like an eternity, I will be going to talk about my own county and even better than that, my son will be with me in the car for his first time to see Tipperary play in Croke Park. He's only seven, so it's not like he has been waiting decades for this opportunity, but there will be so many travelling up in a similar boat on Sunday
On the field it will be a first outing at GAA HQ for many of the Tipp players.
As a player, it takes a couple of outings in Croke Park to become accustomed to it and how it plays.
The 65 feels like it is 80 yards away and the breeze that is outside the ground will never be the same out on that pitch as it is caught by the stadium and swept right around. It could take someone two shots to try and figure that out. It will be advantage Kilkenny in that regard as they are so used to the surroundings, but everywhere else I look I see it as very much 50/50.
Tipp have been really tested both physically and mentally in their games against Limerick and Clare, compared to Kilkenny's more breezy route to the penultimate stage.
Match-up wise, I think you will see Mikey Breen and Bryan O'Mara tasked with curtailing TJ Reid and Adrian Mullen respectively. If Eoin Cody starts, I would expect Robert Doyle to pick him up given his performances to date.
The midfield battle will be intriguing as Cian Kenny has proven just how vital he is to everything good for Kilkenny, so I can see Seamus Kennedy getting the nod to curb his influence.
Up front for Tipp, Jake Morris, Andrew Ormonde, Jason Forde and John McGrath are all one good game away from being serious All-Star contenders.
In Huw Lawlor, Kilkenny have one of the best ever to wear number three and his clubmate Mikey Butler will relish the challenge of man-marking Forde or McGrath.
How do I call it? I am going with my heart and edging towards my fellow county men.
Man for man, I feel Tipp are a better team right now. They have been tested, they have impact off the bench and they're hurling with a freedom we haven't seen in a long time. It will be close - very close - but I'm going with Tipp to get it done.
On Saturday two tribes will go to war at a sold-out Croke Park, not surprising given the Cork supporters have packed out most places on this summer journey with their team.
The Cork public are demanding of their sports stars and they judge them on one thing and one thing only – titles. Liam MacCarthy has eluded them for twenty years. How heavy is the burden weighing on this Cork group now that the safety net is gone?
Against Limerick, Dublin served up the biggest hurling upset in 50 years. They played with a pride, passion and work-rate for each other that was worth 10 years of trying to develop hurling in the capital.
Can Dublin actually go and win this game and knockout the best team in the country this year?
I give them a massive chance. Their use of the ball against the Treaty men was exceptional, often giving the impression it was them, rather than John Kiely's side, that were enjoying the numerical advantage.
The Rebels will have learned a great deal from that scalp, while the loss of captain Chris Crummey is a huge loss for the Dubs.
Cork too it must be said are without a spiritual leader of their own with Seamus Harnedy ruled out.
Sports psychologist Declan Coyle has the phrase "the bigger the day the better I'll play". Harnedy has epitomised this over the years for Cork. Limerick tried to isolate him on puckouts and he made hay, once again demonstrating his ability to win primary possession as well as chipping over a few scores from play.
When it comes down to it, Cork I feel are a better team and will be fully motivated by last year's All-Ireland final defeat. I take them to win by four points.
No matter where in the world you are this weekend, I hope you get to see this festival of hurling unfold, where drama, joy and despair will be plentiful.
The All-Ireland dream is getting closer, but will only be a reality for two groups after this weekend, for the others the wait will go on. What a game we have.
Try Our AI Features
Explore what Daily8 AI can do for you:
Comments
No comments yet...
Related Articles
Irish Examiner
an hour ago
- Irish Examiner
Dublin power past Cork to book All-Ireland semi-final spot
All-Ireland Ladies SFC quarter-final: Dublin 3-15 Cork 0-7 Dublin powered into the 2025 TG4 All-Ireland LGFA SFC semi-finals following a dominant performance against Cork at Parnell Park on Saturday. Inspired by Hannah Tyrrell's 1-5 and Kate Sullivan's 1-3, Paul Casey's side issued a timely reminder why they will have a big say in the destination of this year's Brendan Martin Cup. Dominating from start to finish, the winners kicked 1-6 against the wind in the opening half and kept their opponents at arms length in the second. As for Cork, Joe Carroll's first season ended in disappointment albeit at the All-Ireland quarter-finals stage. At the outset, promotion from Division 2 was paramount and achieved with the minimum of fuss. Yet, Cork could have little complaint after coming up short to a sharper and more physical Dublin team that will be favourites to overcome either Galway or Waterford in the All-Ireland semi-finals. Kate Sullivan opened the scoring after four minutes as Dublin, with Hannah Tyrrell, playing deep in Carla Rowe's absence, settled quickly. Katie Quirke got the Rebels on the scoreboard via a free but Tyrrell restored the hosts' lead within 60 seconds. The scores kept coming as Máire O'Callaghan levelled matters for a second time. Tyrell's influence continued to grow and the Dublin forward setup Chloe Darby for a well-worked point. Playing against the wind, Hannah McGinnis became the Dubs' fourth scorer prior to Dara Kiniry hauling down Kate Sullivan in the square. Tyrell coolly dispatched the resulting penalty to make it 1-4 to 0-2 after 15 minutes. Nicole Owens added another prior to Laura O'Mahony firing over a badly needed Cork score. Dominating their own kick outs as well as the middle sector, Dublin finished the half five points ahead after Tyrrell (free) and Quirke swapped scores. Another Quirke free reduced the deficit early in the second half before the same player added her fourth to leave a goal between the teams. Stung into action, Dublin responded with Nicole Owens fisting over the bar and Kate Sullivan adding their eighth point. A rampant Dubs smelt blood as Sullivan and Tyrrell (free) made it 1-10 to 0-6 heading into the final quarter. The irresistible Tyrrell took her tally to 1-4 before Niamh Hetherton also got her name on the Dublin scoresheet. Cork were fortunate not to concede a second goal when Tyrrell failed to capitalise on a defensive error, scraping the crossbar via a delicate chip. Another Hetheron effort preceded a Quirke free as the hosts comfortably saw out the remaining time. Late Kate Sullivan and Sinead Goldrick goals heaped further misery on Cork's defence and wrapped up a superb Dublin display. Scorers for Dublin: H Tyrrell 1-5 (1-0 pen, 0-2 frees); K Sullivan 1-3; S Goldrick 1-0; N Owens, N Hetherton 0-2 each; C Darby, H McGinnis, L Grendon 0-1 each. Scorers for Cork: K Quirke 0-5 (0-3 frees); M O'Callaghan, L O'Mahony 0-1. DUBLIN: A Shiels; J Tobin, L Caffrey (captain), N Crowley; S Goldrick, M Byrne, N Donlon; É O'Dowd, H McGinnis; N Owens, C Darby, S McIntyre; H Tyrrell, N Hetherton, K Sullivan. Subs: C O'Connor for C Darby (38); O Nolan for N Owens (44); T McDonnell for S McIntyre (53); L Grendon for N Hetherton (56); H Leahy for N Crowley (58). CORK: S Murphy; D Kiniry, S Leahy (captain), M Duggan; A Corcoran, S Cronin, R Corkery; M O'Callaghan, A Healy; A O'Mahony, L O'Mahony, E Cleary; Á Terry O'Sullivan, H Looney, K Quirke. Subs: A Ring for R Corkery (21); K Horgan for D Kiniry (38); S McGoldrick for A Healy (44); L Hallihan for Á Terry O'Sullivan (44); A Ryan for M Duggan (58). Referee: B Rice (Down).
Irish Times
an hour ago
- Irish Times
Live hurling updates: Cork and Dublin meet in All-Ireland semi-final
All-Ireland SHC semi-final: Cork v Dublin, Croke Park, 5pm (Live, RTÉ & BBC NI) Key Reads: Joe Canning: Most people think it's Cork's All-Ireland to lose and that suits Kilkenny just fine Nicky English: Faltering standard of this year's championship brings Kilkenny into the frame Team focus: Niall Ó Ceallacháin has Dublin's unlikely band of hurlers singing a fine tune Malachy Clerkin: It feels like a good time to point out that Cork might not win the All-Ireland -22 minutes ago Welcome to the best weekend of the hurling year. Four teams left to decide the summer - Cork and Dublin today, Tipperary and Kilkenny tomorrow. We'll keep you up to date with every puck, hit and miss right the way through it all. Referee Johnny Murphy will throw the ball in for Dublin v Cork at five o'clock.
Irish Daily Mirror
5 hours ago
- Irish Daily Mirror
Dublin hurling thriving and one club encapsulates what is building in the GAA
'And we're all off to Dublin in the green, in the green, "Where the helmets glisten in the sun, 'Where the camans flash, and the hurleys clash, 'To the rattle of the game hard won...' - The Dubliners (sort of) 1969 There are 30 senior hurling clubs spread across three senior divisions in Dublin and Thomas Davis — founded in 1888 — can hold their heads up with any. They have been county champions, one of only 27, but remain a village/community club - indeed their nickname is 'The Little Village' Tallaght may be the largest 'village' in Ireland but don't doubt its sporting acumen. Thomas Davis are a dual-code senior outfit while Shamrock Rovers reside nearby and Tallaght AC has been Rhasidat Adeleke's springboard. But as club chairman Paul Nugent, Games Development Officer Stephen Stewart, club stalwart Terry Carthy and senior hurler Jack O'Connor can attest, Dublin's 2025 inter-county hurling side is in 'The Ready Position' - just one win away from a first All-Ireland SHC final in 64 years. That was before The Dubliners — with local hero Ciaran Bourke (tin whistle, flute, guitar) one of their three founding members — released their iconic version of The Merry Ploughboy, in 1969. Nugent played all the way through the club's age-grades, senior for 20-odd years, has been involved at intercounty level (1988-91), managed the senior team, been involved in the committees, been football chairman and occupied a few different roles too. But in his first year as chairman he knows there is something very special going on – the surge of excitement about the hurling team can almost be touched. 'Last week and this week has just been phenomenal. I suppose over the last 20 years, it was all about football, and obviously, with the six-in-a-row team, everyone was interested in that but it probably died down a little bit. 'You know, we used to get 82,000 into Croke Park all the time for the footballers but I suppose winning too much can breed a little bit of neglect, let's say. 'When Dublin won that match against Limerick, the surge in anticipation was plain to see, straight away we had hundreds of applications for tickets for the next match — I suppose people are longing to see them doing well. 'It's been creeping up over the last 10 years of effort put into Dublin hurling. I suppose it takes time to compete with the Kilkennys and Corks, who are hurlers all their lives and by nature go to school with a hurley, but we're getting there!' These weeks are camp weeks across the GAA; here on Kiltipper Road they alternate between football and hurling week on week and Thomas Davis is awash with kids, a reflection of a burgeoning underage section. 'We cater for 300 four-to-seven year old kids in our Saturday morning Academy and another 600 at CCC1 and CCC2 levels at weekends,' says Games Development Officer Stephen Stewart, who combines his work at club level with responsibility for 10 primary schools. His is an interesting combination, blowing his whistle, keeping the volunteers busy, handling logistics for different groups/different ages – he's a watchman, full of encouragement and perhaps helped by his primary schools' role, he seems to know every kid's name! Club dual star and 2022-24 Dublin minor football panelist Jack O'Connor is working skills with 11 year-old Ruairí Ó Murchú, part of a wider group on Thomas Davis's astro-pitch. 'Watching the last game and the lads pulling through with the red card. I was in more shock than anything,' says O'Connor. 'I think they kind of just bonded, came together as one team instead of trying to play as 14 individuals unlike the Limerick team on the day. 'They held together, stuck to their tasks, did the basics better. I really like their mix within the team, sure, some are more disciplined than others, some would be more skillful than others, but they've worked these things together and that's been a thing. 'Overall, style-wise I really like the way they work off the ball, try to play easy transfers, and they have been getting into acres of space for free shots, I think that's a great part of their skill. 'Sean Currie has been an unbelievable player for them, highest scorer for Dublin and the highest scorer in the Championship, also Conor Burke, Conor Donohoe.' This semi-final could be a game specifically about goals... 'Especially with the way the Limerick game unfolded. Cian O'Sullivan and John Hetherton's two goals in space a minute proved vital because the Dubs only won by two points. 'I think they will need to think clinically about goals against Cork but they have shown they definitely have goals in them, especially from those long, driven frees.' And yet Dublin hurling is not just about attaining a first All-Ireland final for seven decades, even if it is on the back of All-Ireland titles for Na Fianna (2025) and Cuala (2018 & 2017). They are the first Dublin clubs to have won that but this it was on the shoulders of a hell of a lot of club building - there have been 124 Dublin senior hurling Championships, dating back to 1887. Thomas Davis were on board for the county Championship within a year, a little-known entity from a tiny village against the backdrop of the Dublin mountains, its future as one of the city's thriving sprawls a long way off. Says Nugent of then and now: 'Our current facility was only bought in 1982, before that we were down near the village. We used to have a pitch there that we rented from Kevin Molloy, the local publican. 'Kevin was a barrister by trade, a very professional guy and on the committee here, and was instrumental in us buying this land in the late 1970/80s and starting us off here which was fantastic. 'We have an all-weather facility here albeit it's down 20 years and for which we are hoping to raise a lot of money, maybe ¤500k, to get it recovered alongside two main pitches, one we purchased from An Post probably six or seven years ago and we've recently developed. 'So we have great facilities but we also have over 100 teams so you never have enough facilities. It's always a battle with the county council to try and get enough pitches to cater for maybe 50 home games every weekend or during the week.' Dublin-Cork match will be the focus of this weekend for those who go to Croker, but there will also be those in a heaving and excited clubhouse catching the action. 'Yeah, we have our travel organised, one of the lads here has coaches and buses (Gerry Moore's Ridgway Coaches) so whatever is required it's kind of put out. There's at least a couple of buses going and if the demand is there for more he just puts them on. 'The clubhouse will be packed. We are not simply 'open' to the public for the day, we would always be welcoming to anyone in the local community, and over the last couple of years we've developed what we have to offer here. 'We have a cafe that opens at 9am, serves breakfast and then lunches up to half-two, then Thursday to Sunday we have food upstairs anyway.' Drop down if you are near! Thomas Davis are confident you'll like what you see, a modern, well-run operation, part of the identity of thriving Tallaght. 'It's a big community hub here and we field 100 teams each week. There's just loads of people giving a hand, running things like the Tallaght Festival or the St Patrick's Day parade, you put a small committee together and you try and get things done. 'There's two or three mentors with each team, then you have ground staff, you have committee staff, you are always looking for people to come in and help out and we've over 300 volunteers here -— volunteerism, as most people understand, is actually where the GAA is.' 'Actually it is the young people who are the lifeblood of this club,' says longtime club veteran Terry Carthy. 'They're fantastic, you take those helping at the camps today, they're going to be the Paul Nugents of tomorrow. 'Paul was a coach here one time too — now the young coaches are they're going on to play senior football and senior hurling. That's the way it works here. 'They are a fantastic group of young people, you couldn't get better in any area, in any other sport, because the idea is that it has to be that it is self-sustaining, that has to be your target.' 'You're always working at something,' says Nugent from the Thomas Davis bridge. 'I suppose, there's always a bit of fundraising going on, and here in Tallaght, a lower income area, it can be harder to raise funds. 'Our senior hurlers are in Division 1B, one down from the top echelon. We kind of went up and down a couple of times over the years but it's a big jump and we've struggled with it. 'Our footballers are in the top division, we got to the Championship final in 2020 and we'd be optimistic this year, we have a couple of lads who came back from abroad so it has strengthened our team. 'We have an intermediate team playing in Division 3 and our junior team is playing Division 5 in football so to have three teams at one, three and five is excellent. 'The girls' section is just thriving, imagine we have just one minor (Under-18) boys team but three minor girl teams. 'Obviously then, we are looking to re-cover our all-weather pitch, you're always trying to get a few grants and South Dublin County Council have been good to us over the years, or the government, let's say, with the grants originally. 'We have a big facility here that helps the whole community and we are proud to represent it too.'
