Confident Cork fan shows off 'All-Ireland Senior Hurling Champions' tattoo
Cork fan Michael John Murphy is so confident about the outcome of Sunday's historic first meeting of Cork and Tipperary in an All-Ireland hurling final, he's had his forearm inked with the words: Cork All Ireland Senior Hurling Champions 2025.
'I won't need to change it,' he said confidently.
Excitement is building across the city and county ahead of Sunday's final, with unprecedented demand for tickets prompting warnings to fans to be aware of scammers and dodgy ticket offers online.
Michael John, 37, a member of the Irish Defence Forces, originally from Waterford but who lives in Mayfield, on the northside of Cork city, is sorted though. He, his wife, Annette, and their children, Paul and Ciara, are all season ticket holders, and will watch the final from the Lower Cusack stand.
He grew up in a mixed home in Rinn — his father from Youghal, Cork, his mother from Waterford — but he followed in his father's footsteps and has been a lifelong Cork GAA supporter.
'We're 20 years without an All-Ireland title so I was always going to get something to commemorate the win this year,' he said.
'I already have four or five other tattoos, including one of a hurler on my left shoulder, with a flash of red going through the helmet, for Cork, along with the names of my son, daughter and grandson, so it's only natural I'd get this one.'
'We're 20 years without an All-Ireland title so I was always going to get something to commemorate the win this year'. Picture: Larry Cummins
Darragh Murphy, of Skint Tattoo Studio, offered to do GAA-inspired tattoos for Rebel fans before the final, and Michael John put his arm up, literally.
Darragh said: 'I was happy to offer it for free as a bit of fun leading up to the final.
'I can see Cork winning but we can never be too cocky. A grain of rice could really tip the scales, especially in a final.
'Confidence is key. The 2025 is an easy fix to 2026 for next year anyway in case anything goes pear-shaped on Sunday — but I doubt it.'
Michael John, a soldier, is sticking to his guns — Cork to win on Sunday.
'As I said, there won't be any hiding the tattoo if the unthinkable happens, I won't be changing it. I'd have no interest in changing it to be honest. And I'll have a funny story to tell about it.'
Ciara also got a small tattoo of two crossed hurleys above a sliotar, with the family names on either side, and Annette has several tattoos too, but none with a GAA theme.
'I don't think she'll get one either. She's seen the circus around my tattoo,' Michael John said.
Meanwhile, up at Cork Airport, tensions soared and hurleys were drawn under the statue of Christy Ring as dozens of staff in their red and white jerseys found themselves in a spirited scuffle with the only Tipp woman in the terminal over a replica of the Liam MacCarthy Cup, which landed there for the day.
Sue Crowley bravely displays her Tipp jersey on 'Red and White Day' at Cork Airport. Picture: David Creedon
Brave Sue Crowley, who's originally from Toomevara but living near Clonakilty in West Cork for over 20 years, came to work on 'red and white day' proudly wearing her Tipp jersey.
'I know where my loyalties lie. It's Tipperary,' she said.
'But Cork has been absolutely wonderful to me. There has been some great banter and craic here the last few days, but I think it'll be Tipp on Sunday.'
The airport's terminal building has been decorated in red and white from one end to the other, with red uplighting bathing its outside in red light.
For passengers travelling on Sunday, the airport's Craft Bar and Restaurant will show the game live, while other large TVs in departures and arrivals areas are also showing live coverage.
Cork Airport managing director Niall MacCarthy said: "The countdown has really begun now, and whoever wins on Sunday, we'll respect that...as long as it's Cork."
Cork fan Karen Mullaney of Aer Lingus and Tipp fan Sue Crowley of Cork Airport battle for the Liam MacCarthy Cup. Picture: David Creedon
Meanwhile, free tickets for Sunday's family-friendly alcohol-free Rebel Fanzone event in SuperValu Páirc Uí Chaoimh are being released at 7.30am on Thursday via Eventmaster.ie, with a five-ticket per person limit.
The final will be shown on big screens, with entertainment from Cork's RedFM before and after the game.
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