Mixed emotions as ‘shellshocked' Cork fans reflect on Tipp defeat

Irish Independent

21-07-2025

The Rebels were six points up at half-time, but in an extraordinary second-half, Liam Cahill's Premier outscored the Leesiders by 3-14 to 0-2, as the throng gathered on the hallowed turf 'down the Park could only watch on in sheer disbelief.
While most of those in red stayed right until the final whistle, to support a team that has already brought Allianz National League and Munster titles to the banks of the Lee, they weren't hanging around, leaving Cork GAA HQ following the game.
'(In the) Second-half, Cork thought they had it won,' one disappointed fan said, exiting the ground. 'It was well over before the red card, but it was deserved as a second yellow.'
Another young fan was left angry following the defeat, which now extends the Rebels' wait for a Liam McCarthy Cup to 21 years.
'It's a joke,' he said, 'I can't understand it, that's the worst match I've watched in a very long time.
'We scored just two points in the second half, it was a joke,' added a friend from the large group that had come to Páirc Uí Chaoimh, to watch the match with thousands of others on the big screen.
'The red was warranted; it was just stupid. It got to a point and Cork lost their heads; it happens all the time. It was the same against Clare in the first round of the Munster (championship), up by 12 at half-time, and drew that.
'This was the year. If they were going to win it any year it was this year. This was a huge game, with a lot on the line, and they couldn't do it.'
However, seasoned Cork supporter Larry was more philosophical about the match.
'I think everyone's shellshocked now, I think they can't believe it,' he said, leaving the gates of the stadium. 'People probably didn't even think of leaving it early!
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'Whatever was said to Tipperary in the dressing room definitely worked!' said Larry, who complimented Cork City Council and Cork GAA on the running of the occasion, with children emulating their heroes on the back of the pitch while those closer were huddled around, giving a huge cheer when Shane Barrett's goal went in before half-time.
'It was a lovely setup in fairness. There was a great atmosphere here before it all turned. It will be a long journey home from Dublin now, won't it?
'We'll go again!'
School-going Sophie, accompanied by her sisters and mother said that she enjoyed the day, despite the result.
'I think it was a very good game, even though Cork lost. I really enjoyed watching it with everyone. I'd definitely come back again when they get to the next final!'
Another supporter, accompanied by his adult daughter, said the team have done the county proud, despite yesterday's disappointment.
'Everyone was a bit surprised, especially in the second half. Cork had a bit of momentum and then Tipp came out, and they just wanted it more.
'Some people were critical of the referee, but I just think Tipp wanted it more, they had the momentum, they got the goals, and it's difficult to stop them then, especially when you're a man down.
'People are totally shellshocked, but it was a great event, nonetheless. It was really family friendly, no alcohol is a great thing, and it's nice to see the kids running about and having fun, despite the result.
'They'll definitely have the support again; we'll go again next year!'