Brits have a new favourite sport as All-Ireland final’s BBC coverage thrills fans

BBC's coverage of Cork v Tipperary was a complete hit

BBC's coverage of Tipperary's thrilling All-Ireland SHC win over Cork at Croke Park was a massive hit, with hundreds of fans taking to social media afterwards to profess their love for the sport.

The match itself was a thriller, with Tipperary fighting back from six points down at half-time to win 3-27 to 1-18, restricting Cork to just two points in the second period. With red cards, penalties and lightning-fast play to boot, those with no knowledge of the game were revelling in the entertainment.

It certainly helped that BBC had Irish actor Paul Mescal on pre-match and a half-time, watching the match alongside his father, singer Tom Grennan and jockey Rachael Blackmore in the stands.

The BBC, who signed a five-year deal with the GAA back in 2022, will continue to show the final until at least 2027.

One fan said: "My first time watching hurling. Fast paced, high-skilled, passionate. An amateur sport that draws 80,00 fans to the All Ireland Final. Congratulations to winners Tipperary. I think the BBC have fulfilled their mandate today to inform, educate, and entertain."

Another added: "What better way to spend a wet Sunday than watching the hurling on BBC2? Never seen it before, absolutely no clue what’s going on, but my word it’s brutal and entertaining! Opted to root for blue as they have less shirts in the stadium and I think they’re gonna do it!"

And another said: "I love when the BBC shows The All Ireland Hurling Final. Why? Because it enthrals so many people who have never seen it before and there are so many happy, good humour posts afterwards."