Complaints over Munster final shootout brilliantly shut down
After Cork and Limerick could not be separated after extra time, an epic Munster final was decided by penalties.
After a 16-point beating at the hands of Limerick only last month, the Rebels were victorious on Saturday, winning the shootout 3-2 to be crowned Munster Champions. 7 June 2025; Darragh Fitzgibbon of Cork is tackled by Michael Casey and William O'Donoghue of Limerick during the Munster final between Limerick and Cork at LIT Gaelic Grounds in Limerick. Photo by Ray McManus/Sportsfile
Although countless fans were jubilant after the dramatic end to such an unforgettable encounter, there were others who bemoaned how the game was decided.
Kilkenny boss Derek Lyng has come out and stated that a 'replay would have been more fair' to the players.
'I know we have a new system in place and we're kind of caught for time but I just think we're a bit too caught at the minute,' he added, questioning the new season format.
Sportswriter Tommy Conlon also spoke out strongly after the game, stating: 'Penalties are cheap drama. They demean the players who have to take them. They turn spectators into voyeurs.
Penalties are cheap drama. They demean the players who have to take them. They turn spectators into voyeurs. Y'day they diminished e'thing that had gone before, all that competitive authenticity cheapened by this tacky contrivance to produce a winner & move onto the next fixture. https://t.co/FppDM5ej58 — Tommy Conlon (@TConlonthecouch) June 8, 2025
'Yesterday they diminished everything that had gone before, all that competitive authenticity cheapened by this tacky contrivance to produce a winner & move onto the next fixture.'
Another fan took to social media, writing: 'For Limerick to only be denied the seven-in-a-row on penalties is a tribute to them. Let's hope penalties never settles a SHC game again.' Patrick Collins of Cork saves a penalty in the Munster final.
However, with countless other fans swept away by the epic final, and the manner in which it was decided, one neutral supporter has brilliantly shut down the apparent debate.
Taking to social media on Sunday night after the Nations League final, which was also decided by a penalty shootout after Portugal and Spain couldn't be separated in extra time, one fan hilariously wrote: 'Ridiculous way to finish a Nations League Final on penalties.
'This should be a replay in Thurles next Sunday evening. Another victim of the condensed GAA season.'
Ridiculous way to finish a Nations League Final on penalties This should be a replay in Thurles next Sunday evening
Another victim of the condensed GAA season 🙄
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