Watch: Cyril ‘The Bird' Kavanagh's All-Ireland Hurling final prediction
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Irish Examiner
10 minutes ago
- Irish Examiner
'I've promised not to leave him in Dublin if we lose': Cork and Tipp priests bring friendly rivalry to Croke Park
'God loves everybody, no matter what team you support.' That was the message from best friends Fr Patrick Fogarty and Fr Martin Barry who, despite supporting opposite teams, insist that this weekend will only bring them closer. Both based in the parish of Glanmire, Fr Fogarty is praying for a win for his home county of Tipperary. Meanwhile, Fr Barry is hoping that divine inspiration will help Cork over the line. Either way, this Sunday's Croke Park decider will serve as an opportunity for them to exemplify the true meaning of Christianity and - above all - friendship. The pair are looking forward to travelling to the match together this weekend. Fr Barry, who is 88, said that if Tipp secures the win he will give his best friend a hug. Fr Fogarty will do the same if Cork are victorious. Both have strong ties to their respective teams. Fr Fogarty is the brother of Cork hurler Paddy Barry who played as a left corner-forward for the Cork senior team up until 1964. This Sunday's Croke Park decider will serve as an opportunity for Fr Patrick Fogarty and Fr Martin Barry to exemplify the true meaning of Christianity and - above all - friendship. Picture: David Creedon 'I wouldn't want to change the fact that Pat and I support different teams, Fr Martin told the Irish Examiner. 'We will always be great friends.' Fr Patrick Fogarty is just as dedicated to his beloved Tipp. However, win, lose or draw there are some things that never change. 'If I lose I'll still be happy for Fr Pat,' Fr Barry said. 'If Cork wins he'll be happy for me. We are praying for a win of course. I'm praying for Cork and he's praying for Tipperary. But when we go to the match it will be together, with him wearing the Tipperary colours and me wearing the Cork colours.' Fr Barry paid tribute to his pal. 'He is a very special man who is good with families, young and old. He is as committed to his work as he is to his county.' Cork lost out by a point, 3-29 to 1-34, to Clare in last year's final. Tipp, on the other hand took home the Liam MacCarthy Cup in 2019. 'I wouldn't even try to convert Fr Pat. We are still friends no matter what. You play hard but at the end of the day you shake hands with your opponent. "It's the same with Pat Fogarty and myself. People are amused when they see us walking together in the different colours and without embarrassment. Our friendship transcends all boundaries. "This is a theme we are seeing with other people too. There have been so many lovely photographs in the media of families sporting both Tipperary and Cork colours. This has been really nice to see.' Fr Fogarty echoed his sentiment. 'We have a wonderful friendship,' he told the Irish Examiner. 'Martin is such an inspiring man. Cork and Tipperary have a good rivalry but there is also a great bond between the fans. I was gifted a jersey with half the Tipp colours and the other half Cork. Fr Patrick Fogarty and Fr Martin Barry are looking forward to travelling to the match together this weekend. Picture: David Creedon "I also know Pat Ryan and we all have huge respect for him. Martin and I are happy to be travelling to the match together because it reiterates the Christian message. God loves everybody, no matter what team they support.' He anticipates some tension, however, during the car trip home. 'There might be a bit of silence in the car on the way home but it won't last too long. I've promised not to leave him in Dublin if Tipp lose.' He said the experience may be bitter sweet. 'Of course, I'll be disappointed if it doesn't happen for us. There will be a lot of mixed emotions and I'm sure it will be the same for Martin.' Read More Cork and Tipp fans furious as All-Ireland final ticket chaos sparks calls for GAA review
Irish Examiner
40 minutes ago
- Irish Examiner
Izz Cafe owner wishes luck to Cork hurlers from Palestine
The Palestinian owner of Cork's Izz Cafe has described how he's fallen in love with Cork hurling as he wished the Rebels the best of luck in their quest for All-Ireland glory. Izz Alkarajeh, whose Palestinian cafe in Cork City has won multiple awards for its food, returned to Palestine this week to visit family while his homeland is deep in a devastating conflict with Israel. The video on Facebook consisted of Izz talking to the camera while wearing an alternative black and red Cork jersey. He described how he has fallen in love with the game of hurling since moving to the Rebel County. Izz described himself as a 'true Corkonian'. "From the heart of Palestine to the Rebel County, I am sending all my love and luck to the Cork hurlers this Sunday. Corcaigh Abú!" the businessman said. The caption on the post read: "We are hoping @officialcorkgaa make history this weekend. While we are currently visiting family in Palestine, we are with you in spirit and will be watching closely!" Izz and wife Eman's journey to Cork, where they set up their successful cafe, is as inspiring as it is deeply emotional, and can be read here. Read More Cork and Tipp fans furious as All-Ireland final ticket chaos sparks calls for GAA review
Irish Examiner
40 minutes ago
- Irish Examiner
GAA Palestine travels to Jordan after Irish tour is cancelled
GAA Palestine said its players and mentors have arrived in Jordan for a summer camp after their planned tour of Ireland was cancelled over visa denials. The group, which includes 33 Palestinian children and young teenagers, was scheduled to arrive in Dublin on Friday, however, they were denied entry by the Department of Justice. In a statement, GAA Palestine said despite the 'heartbreaking' decision to cancel the Irish tour, the group turned 'adversity into an opportunity for breakthrough'. They announced a 10-day summer camp in Amman, Jordan. The group of 33 from the West Bank were to travel to Ireland this weekend, and lodged an appeal after their visas were rejected. While this journey may not replicate the Irish welcome they initially envisioned, it embodies the very spirit of resilience and hope — a reminder that even in the face of disappointment, community and determination can forge new paths toward brighter futures However, they were forced to cancel as the appeal would not have been dealt with in time. GAA Palestine said hurling stars Conor Donohoe and Fergal Whitey will join the tour, along with former Waterford inter-county player Shane Casey. 'These inspiring players will travel to Amman on Saturday to lead the camp, bringing with them the vibrant energy, professionalism and rich traditions of Gaelic games,' GAA Palestine said in a statement. 'Today, we celebrate a moment of triumph — the young players and mentors arrived in Amman, greeted warmly by members of the GAA Palestine team. 'Their arrival marks a new chapter of hope and resilience for GAA Palestine, who continue to defy barriers and inspire us all. 'The summer camp promises an unforgettable experience, blending sport with culture and adventure. Participants will explore the historic Amman Citadel, visit the bustling Souk Mango, and enjoy exhilarating ziplining, buggy rides, and climbing adventures at Forest Park. 'They will watch the All-Ireland hurling final on a big screen, connect with local landmarks like the King Abdullah I Mosque, and indulge in fun-filled days at amusement and water parks. Most importantly, they will learn and grow through coaching sessions led by our committed volunteers and coaches. 'While this journey may not replicate the Irish welcome they initially envisioned, it embodies the very spirit of resilience and hope — a reminder that even in the face of disappointment, community and determination can forge new paths toward brighter futures. 'This remarkable feat would not have been possible without the generosity of donors, the tireless efforts of volunteers, our inter-county players, and the unwavering dedication of all members of GAA Palestine. 'Your support fuels their dreams and proves that together, we can overcome any obstacle.' Read More Izz Cafe owner wishes luck to Cork hurlers from Palestine
