When you have taken a minute to catch your breath, take a few moments to have a gander at the best pictures from a truly extraordinary All-Ireland hurling final replay.
Honestly, what can you say about that?
There have been some incredible games in the GAA over the years and we know our perception of this All-Ireland Hurling Final replay might be affected by the fact that it’s immediately after the game but that must go down as one of the greatest games we’ve ever seen in any sport, never mind hurling alone.
It’s nigh on impossible to tell the story of the game but in a nutshell there were eight goals and 32 points scored and while the points were split evenly, five of those goals were scored by a Clare team who apparently had problems raising the green flag. Hell, three of them were scored by a man, Shane O’Donnell, who was brought in from the cold to replace Darach Honan in the starting line-up and all of them in the first half (O’Donnell scored 3-3 in total).
As was the case the first day, Clare dominated the early exchanges and were eight points up at one stage before Cork hauled them back once again and were within four points at the break. The Rebels were much improved in the second half and managed to level the game on a number of occasions without ever being able to break clear of the Banner men.
A Conor McGrath goal proved hugely significant for Davy Fitz’s side but it was only with a Darach Honan goal with virtually the last play of the game that they made sure of a memorable six-point victory.
Cork must be given huge credit for their part in what was a truly amazing final but today is a day for the Banner and we would like to offer huge congratulations to Davy Fitz, to all his players and backroom team and to the Clare supporters, who will no doubt celebrate heartily for a few days to come.
In fact, there won’t be a cow milked in the county for weeks.
