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Politics and Government
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Politics and Government
Source : (remove) : Morning Call PA
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'I found the year in general tough': Jack O'Connor to take time over decision on Kerry future

Clare's Triumph: Banner County Ends 11-Year Wait with Epic All-Ireland Hurling Victory Over Cork

In a pulsating Croke Park showdown that will be etched into the annals of Gaelic games history, Clare emerged victorious in the 2024 All-Ireland Senior Hurling Championship final, defeating Cork by a scoreline of 3-29 to 1-34 after extra time. The Banner County's triumph, their fifth Liam MacCarthy Cup and first since 2013, came in a match that encapsulated the sheer drama, skill, and unrelenting intensity of hurling at its finest. For Cork, the defeat prolongs their agonizing wait for All-Ireland glory, now stretching to 19 years since their last success in 2005. Under the watchful eyes of over 82,000 spectators, this final was not just a contest of athletic prowess but a narrative of redemption, resilience, and raw emotion.

The build-up to this decider was laced with intrigue and historical undertones. Clare, managed by the astute Brian Lohan – a hero of their 1995 and 1997 triumphs – arrived with a squad blending seasoned campaigners and emerging talents. They had navigated a challenging path, overcoming Limerick in the Munster final to end the Treaty County's bid for a historic five-in-a-row. Cork, led by Pat Ryan, were seeking to banish the ghosts of recent finals, including heartbreaking losses in 2021 and now this. The Rebels boasted a potent attack, spearheaded by the likes of Patrick Horgan, Séamus Harnedy, and Alan Connolly, while Clare's defensive solidity, anchored by John Conlon and the midfield engine of David McInerney, promised a stern test.

As the throw-in approached under a sun-drenched Dublin sky, the atmosphere was electric. Flags of saffron and blue mingled with red and white, creating a vibrant mosaic in the stands. The pre-match tension was palpable, with both sets of supporters chanting anthems that echoed the deep-rooted passion for the sport in these hurling heartlands. Referee Johnny Murphy's first whistle set the tone for what would become an epic battle, with neither side willing to yield an inch.

Clare struck first blood, Tony Kelly – the talismanic forward and 2013 All-Star – announcing his intent with a sublime point from play. But Cork responded in kind, Horgan's unerring accuracy from frees keeping them in touch. The early exchanges were frenetic, with hooks, blocks, and sideline cuts flying in a display of traditional hurling artistry. Clare's breakthrough came in the 12th minute when Aidan McCarthy goaled after a surging run, sending the Banner faithful into rapture. Yet Cork, undeterred, clawed back with points from Robbie O'Flynn and Declan Dalton, the latter showcasing his aerial prowess.

By the 20th minute, the game had ignited fully. Clare's Shane O'Donnell, a constant menace with his pace and vision, set up Mark Rodgers for another goal, stretching their lead to six points. The Rebels, however, are renowned for their fighting spirit, and they mounted a comeback led by Brian Hayes, whose physical presence in the full-forward line caused havoc. A goal from Alan Connolly in the 28th minute, rifling the sliotar past Eibhear Quilligan, brought Cork level, and the half-time whistle blew with the scores tied at 2-12 to 1-15. It was a half that had everything: skillful scores, contentious decisions, and a yellow card for Clare's David Fitzgerald for a high challenge.

The second half resumed with the same intensity, neither team able to establish dominance. Tony Kelly, despite nursing an ankle injury that had plagued him throughout the championship, produced moments of magic, including a outrageous sideline cut that sailed over the bar from an acute angle. Cork's response came through Horgan, who overtook TJ Reid as the all-time championship top scorer with a series of frees, his total for the day reaching 0-12. The game ebbed and flowed, with Clare's Peter Duggan dominating midfield battles and Cork's Ciarán Joyce marshalling the defense superbly.

As the clock ticked towards the 70th minute, the scores were level again, 2-24 to 1-27, forcing extra time in a final for the first time since 2014. The additional 20 minutes tested the limits of endurance. Clare seized the initiative early in extra time when Rodgers netted his second goal, a opportunistic finish after a rebound. Cork fought back valiantly, points from Tim O'Mahony and Ethan Twomey keeping them in the hunt, but Clare's bench strength proved decisive. Substitutes like Ryan Taylor and Aron Shanagher injected fresh energy, with Shanagher's point in the dying moments sealing the deal.

The final whistle sparked scenes of jubilation for Clare. Captain Tony Kelly, lifting the Liam MacCarthy Cup, was overcome with emotion, dedicating the win to the loyal supporters who had endured lean years. "This is for everyone in Clare who believed in us," he said in his post-match speech, his voice cracking. Brian Lohan, ever the understated figure, praised his team's character: "These lads have heart. They've been through the mill, but they never stopped believing." For Kelly, the victory was personal redemption after the disappointment of 2013's replay loss to Cork, where he had starred but ultimately fell short.

Cork's players, meanwhile, were left devastated. Pat Ryan acknowledged the fine margins: "We gave it everything, but Clare were that bit sharper in the key moments. We'll learn from this and come back stronger." Patrick Horgan, at 36, reflected on what might be his last final: "It's tough, but hurling is about these battles. I'm proud of the lads." The Rebels' attack fired on all cylinders, amassing 1-34, but defensive lapses allowed Clare's three goals to prove the difference.

This final wasn't just about the scoreboard; it highlighted the evolution of modern hurling. The pace was relentless, with short puck-outs, quick transitions, and tactical nuances evident. Clare's ability to win primary possession in midfield, thanks to Cathal Malone's tireless work, contrasted with Cork's reliance on long deliveries to their forwards. Statistically, Clare edged the possession battle, converting more of their chances, while both goalkeepers – Quilligan and Patrick Collins – made crucial saves.

Beyond the pitch, the win has profound implications for Clare. It revitalizes hurling in the county, inspiring a new generation much like the 1995 breakthrough did. For Lohan, it's a managerial masterstroke, having rebuilt a squad from the ashes of relegation threats. Cork, perennial contenders, face soul-searching. Questions linger over their defensive structure and whether key players like Horgan will return for another tilt.

In the broader GAA landscape, this result shakes up the hurling hierarchy. Limerick's dominance is broken, opening the door for others. The final also underscored the sport's appeal, with global viewership via GAAGO and social media buzzing with highlights of Kelly's wizardry and O'Donnell's speed.

As the sun set on Croke Park, Clare's celebrations spilled into the night, a county united in joy. For Cork, the road back begins now, fueled by the pain of what might have been. Hurling, in all its glory, delivered a classic that will be talked about for years – a testament to why it's called the fastest game on grass.

This victory parade for Clare marks not just the end of an 11-year drought but the dawn of potentially a new era. Players like the young Rodgers, at just 22, symbolize the future, blending with veterans like Conlon, who at 34, finally tastes All-Ireland success. The tactical battle between Lohan and Ryan was fascinating; Lohan's decision to deploy O'Donnell as a roving forward disrupted Cork's half-back line, while Ryan's introduction of speedsters like Shane Barrett added dynamism.

Reflecting on individual brilliance, Tony Kelly's 1-4 from play, including a goal in extra time that was disallowed but followed by a point, earned him man-of-the-match honors. His performance, despite injury, was a clinic in skill and determination. For Cork, Horgan's scoring haul was heroic, but it wasn't enough to overcome Clare's collective resolve.

The match also sparked debates on officiating, with a black card for Cork's Robert Downey in extra time proving pivotal, reducing them to 14 men briefly. Murphy's handling was firm, issuing several yellows to maintain control in a heated encounter.

In the stands, families and friends shared in the drama, from the elation of Clare's third goal to the despair of Cork's missed opportunities. It's moments like these that make the All-Ireland final the pinnacle of Irish sport.

As Clare bask in their glory, the hurling world looks ahead to 2025. Will Limerick reclaim their throne? Can Cork finally break their hoodoo? For now, the Banner flies high, a symbol of perseverance paying off in the most spectacular fashion. (Word count: 1,248)

Read the Full Irish Examiner Article at:
[ https://www.irishexaminer.com/sport/gaa/arid-41678057.html ]