The Daily Star Ireland
In an unforgettable display of resilience and precision, Tipperary claimed their 29th All-Ireland Senior Hurling Championship title with a remarkable comeback victory over Cork. The Premier County overturned a six-point halftime deficit to dominate their Munster rivals, who were reduced to 14 men midway through the second half, securing a 3-27 to 1-18 triumph at Croke Park.
Cork Collapse After Halftime as Tipp Roar Back
Coming into the final as clear favourites, Cork had already bested Tipperary twice earlier in the year and were expected to end a 21-year drought for the Liam MacCarthy Cup. At halftime, leading 1-16 to 0-13, they appeared on course to do just that. Shane Barrett’s well-timed goal before the break had extended their advantage, capitalizing on Tipperary’s nine first-half wides compared to Cork’s five.
However, the script was rewritten after the interval.
Tipperary’s response was relentless. They controlled possession and outscored Cork by 3-14 to 0-2 in the second half. John McGrath, in vintage form, struck two goals and added to his ever-growing championship tally. Darragh McCarthy, the 19-year-old sensation, showcased his nerves of steel by converting a penalty and amassing 1-13 in total, including nine points from frees.
Key Turning Points: Red Card, Goals, and Precision
The game’s momentum shifted drastically after Eoin Downey received a second yellow card in the 53rd minute for a foul on McGrath, conceding the penalty that McCarthy buried high past Patrick Collins. That goal pushed Tipp firmly into the lead for the first time.
Moments later, McGrath struck again. Eoghan Connolly’s long ball dropped just outside the small square, and McGrath, sandwiched between defenders, deftly volleyed it into the net, stunning the Cork faithful.
From that moment, Cork’s resistance crumbled. Despite a brief fightback that included a point from Seamus Harnedy, they failed to find the net again and were kept scoreless for the final minutes of the match.
Dominant Individual Performances
McGrath’s two-goal heroics were complemented by an inspired showing from McCarthy, who not only excelled as a freetaker but also delivered from open play. Rhys Shelly, Tipperary’s goalkeeper, capped a brilliant day by scoring from play—an unprecedented feat in modern All-Ireland finals—and saving a late penalty from Conor Lehane.
Veteran Jason Forde and substitute Noel McGrath each added points to complete a dominant second-half display. Bryan O’Mara’s sweeper role blunted Cork’s once-lethal full-forward line, while the Maher brothers and Eoghan Connolly were pivotal in launching Tipp’s counterattacks.
Cork’s Missed Opportunity
Cork’s hopes of ending their All-Ireland title drought, stretching back to 2005, were dashed in devastating fashion. Despite a promising first half and strong performances from Barrett and Horgan, they couldn’t contain Tipp’s wave of second-half pressure. Their final tally of 1-18 included only two second-half points, and their typically potent forward line was neutralized by Tipperary’s disciplined defense.
Errors also plagued their efforts in the final stages—shots struck the post and crossbar, and a Fitzgibbon point was overturned by Hawk-Eye. Even Harnedy’s late rally couldn’t salvage the result, and Lehane’s penalty was foiled in stoppage time, emblematic of a day when nothing went their way.
A Historic Win for Tipperary
This win brings Tipperary within one All-Ireland title of Cork’s 30 and marks their first championship since 2019. It also hands veteran Noel McGrath his fourth title, solidifying his status as one of the county’s most decorated players in the modern era.
The manner of the victory—dominating the second half, overcoming the odds, and silencing a partisan Cork crowd—ensures this triumph will be remembered as one of Tipperary’s sweetest.
Final Score:
Tipperary 3-27
Cork 1-18
Cork Team:
Patrick Collins; Niall O’Leary (0-01), Eoin Downey, Sean O’Donoghue; Ciarán Joyce, Rob Downey (c), Mark Coleman; Tim O’Mahony, Darragh Fitzgibbon (0-02); Diarmuid Healy (0-03), Shane Barrett (1-04), Declan Dalton (0-01f); Patrick Horgan (0-04, 3fs), Alan Connolly (0-01), Brian Hayes (0-01).
Subs: Séamus Harnedy (0-01), Damien Cahalane, Conor Lehane, Shane Kingston, Tommy O’Connell.
Tipperary Team:
Rhys Shelly (0-01); Robert Doyle (0-01), Eoghan Connolly (0-01), Michael Breen; Craig Morgan, Ronan Maher (c), Bryan O’Mara; Willie Connors (0-01), Conor Stakelum (0-01); Jake Morris (0-02), Andrew Ormond (0-02), Sam O’Farrell; Darragh McCarthy (1-13, 0-09fs), John McGrath (2-02), Jason Forde (0-02).
Subs: Seamus Kennedy, Alan Tynan, Noel McGrath (0-01), Oisin O’Donoghue, Darragh Stakelum.
Referee: Liam Gordon (Galway)
