
Complaints over Munster final shootout brilliantly shut down
A Wexford fan has taken to social media to shut down the countless complaints about how the Munster final was decided on Saturday night.
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 🙄
Hashtags

Try Our AI Features
Explore what Daily8 AI can do for you:
Comments
No comments yet...
Related Articles

The 42
an hour ago
- The 42
Minimal change in low-key squad announcement for Ireland's US summer tests
THE ANNOUNCEMENT WAS low-key, the squad itself not straying too far from recent iterations after all. It was released through FAI social media channels at noon, while a press release landed in journalists' inboxes. There was no press conference with head coach Carla Ward, as is customary; some quotes instead circulated for use as the 23-player selection for a friendly double-header against the US was unveiled. Katie McCabe's unavailability was flagged last week, the captain rested after a hectic season which culminated in Champions League glory with Arsenal. Ward stated McCabe was 'on the verge of burnout' after the Nations League group finale against Slovenia, and suggested 'a number' of other players would not travel Stateside for the off-season series. More change was probably anticipated than followed, Ward selecting a relatively familiar squad as Ireland build towards their Nations League play-off with Belgium in October. Eight players were listed by the FAI as unavailable, four of them long-term injury absentees in Jamie Finn, Jess Ziu, Lily Agg and Tara O'Hanlon. Heather Payne and Leanne Kiernan had both been ruled out of the last camp, while Aoife Mannion joined the captain as the other name: the Manchester United defender played the first half of the Türkiye game, but didn't feature against Slovenia as her load — and a quad knock — was managed. Aside from the now-retired Louise Quinn, Shelbourne's Aoibheann Clancy was the only other player from the last squad not included following a recent bereavement. 'The WNT players and staff send their condolences to midfielder Aoibheann Clancy following the passing of her mother, Siobhan. She is being given the time to deal with this difficult period and has the full support of the WNT squad,' read the press release. Advertisement Hayley Nolan and Izzy Atkinson (centre) return to the squad. Ryan Byrne / INPHO Ryan Byrne / INPHO / INPHO Ellen Molloy, Hayley Nolan and Izzy Atkinson were the three headline inclusions. Molloy and Nolan receive their first call-ups under Ward. Molloy has been impressing in the SSE Airtricity Women's Premier Division since returning to Wexford, and now gets a fresh opportunity with Ireland. The 21-year-old midfielder was a regular under Vera Pauw, before an ACL injury interrupted her rise. A move to Championship outfit Sheffield United followed, and Molloy won her first senior cap since 2022 in last October's Euro 2025 playoff semi-final against Georgia. Another injury followed, she left Sheffield in January after four months due to personal reasons, and has been thriving amid home comforts. Nolan is back in the fold for the first time since late 2023 under Eileen Gleeson, having last played for Ireland in the pre-World Cup friendlies against the US. It's a full circle moment for the Crystal Palace defender, who has see-sawed between fine form and injury in recent times. 'Hayley has been unlucky to miss out on being included in recent squads, simply because we have a lot of competition for places at centre-back,' said Ward. 'We have kept an eye on her at club level, I've spoken with her managers and also had conversations with her. So we are excited to bring Hayley in and give her a chance.' There notable change is in defence, in the absence of first-choice full-backs McCabe and Mannion. Atkinson gets the nod as another left-sided option alongside Megan Campbell and Chloe Mustaki, while right-back is an area in which Ireland currently lack choice. Mannion appeared to nail down the position through the Nations League, though is naturally a centre-back. Jessie Stapleton deputised against Slovenia and will most likely have to do so again without injured duo Payne and Finn, but Nolan's versatility could also be useful. Expect huge competition at centre-half: there's a spot up for grabs for the first leg against Belgium with Anna Patten suspended, and no shortage of contenders. The rest of the squad runs along the same lines as the last, with no change in the goalkeeping department and Molloy added to a midfield selection spearheaded by Denise O'Sullivan, who will be stand-in captain. 'Ellen is a player who we have been tracking closely,' said Ward. 'She has done well for Wexford over the last two months and has been on the longlist for our squads, so we needed an opportunity to take a closer look at her in our environment and this is it. 'We know how talented Ellen is but it's how she can adapt that to international level is what we need to look at. I watched her when she was with Sheffield United and we've been watching her at Wexford, so we want to see how she gets on during this camp.' There's also continuity in attack, all who featured in the last window returning. New recruit Erin Healy is recalled, and could win her first cap in her country of birth. Atkinson is actually listed as a forward. The 23-year-old Dubliner gets a fresh international opportunity following her departure from Crystal Palace. She was in Ward's first squad where 'tough love' was offered after falling 'out of favour' at Palace, but was left out thereafter. Related Reads Recalls and absentees as Ireland squad named for US friendlies Have expectations been set too high for Ireland after mixed Nations League group? Like Molloy and Nolan, the 2023 World Cup bolter will be looking to get back in the picture. Ireland head coach Carla Ward. Ryan Byrne / INPHO Ryan Byrne / INPHO / INPHO Further experimentation with new faces, like younger and domestic talent, may have been hoped for in some quarters, but Ward sticks with pretty settled squad as the Belgium play-off looms large. The US provide formidable competition as the world number one, reigning Olympic champions and four-time World Cup winners. Their European-based players will be rested, but Emma Hayes still has an abundance of top stars to choose from. Ward cites her as a mentor and close friend and has unique insight, having worked in the set-up at the Paris 2024 Olympic Games as a scout and performance analyst. Now, she leads Ireland into their 16th and 17th meetings with the US in Denver (Thursday 26 June) and Cincinnati (Thursday 29 June). 'We know how good USA are, they've always been world-class but I believe Emma has taken them to another level and that's why this is a great test for us. To be coming up against the very best is a good opportunity for us,' said Ward. 'When these games were first proposed to us we knew that we would be without certain players, but that opens the door for others to step up. 'Of course you always want to win games but, for me, the most important aspect of these two games will be the performance and continuing to implement our processes. 'These two fixtures will be our final preparation, in terms of games, before we take on Belgium in October, so we want to make the most of these opportunities.'


Irish Post
2 hours ago
- Irish Post
GAA welcomes British Government's £50m allocation towards Casement Park redevelopment
THE GAA has welcomed the news that the British Government will contribute £50m towards the redevelopment of Belfast's Casement Park. The funding was announced today in Chancellor Rachel Reeves' Spending Review as part of £2.2bn in targeted funding to devolved governments. It is believed around £90m more is needed to meet the estimated £260m cost of the project. However, Ulster GAA President Michael Geoghegan welcomed today's news, saying 'there is now growing momentum and belief that Antrim's home and Ulster's provincial stadium is a step closer'. 'Critical opportunity' It was hoped that Casement, which last hosted a game in 2013, would be redeveloped into a 34,500-capacity stadium in time to host matches at Euro 2028. However, after little movement on the project, Northern Ireland Secretary of State Hilary Benn said in September that it would not be appropriate to provide funding to have Casement ready in time for the tournament. Today's announcement has renewed momentum for the project but the GAA added that 'there is much more work to do'. "We welcome this important and significant investment and we thank the Secretary of State, Hilary Benn, the Chancellor of The Exchequer, Rachel Reeves and the UK Government for their positive and generous contribution to ensure that our provincial stadium at Casement Park is finally realised," said GAA President Jarlath Burns. "From taking office, the Secretary of State has been clear that Casement Park needs to be delivered. "He recognised the GAA's commitment and goodwill in sharing venues for the benefit of everyone in our society, dating back to the Maze Long Kesh project, and more recently offering Casement Park as a Euro 2028 Championship venue. "His support and that of the UK Government now represents a critical opportunity to finish this NI Executive flagship project, delivering the last remaining stadium of the 14-year Regional Stadia Programme, and helping to leave a lasting legacy not only for the Gaels of Antrim and Ulster, but for all of society. "We know, however, that this is not the final piece of jigsaw and there is much more work to do. "The GAA will engage directly with the NI Executive and the Department for Communities to ensure that all parties actively pursue, and secure, a full funding package that will deliver upon the GAA's strategic stadium need." 'Historic venue' As well as today's funding allocation, it is believed Stormont will contribute more than £60, the GAA will pay £15m and the Irish Government will provide around £43m. However, with around £90m more required, Tánaiste Simon Harris said today that he would raise the matter with the other parties involved. "I welcome the British government's announcement today of £50m for Casement Park, as part of the UK Spending Review," he said. "The Irish Government has long supported the redevelopment of Casement Park in Belfast as a landmark sports infrastructure project. "In February 2024, we made an early commitment from the Shared Island initiative of up to €50m for the redevelopment of Casement. "We underlined our commitment at that time to support the GAA in progressing this project in partnership with the UK and NI authorities. "I will now engage with all these partners to deliver a redeveloped stadium. "The last match hosted in Casement was well over a decade ago and it is past time for the redevelopment of this historic venue to get underway." Two months ago, a protest over the delay in the project was held before Antrim's Ulster SFC quarter-final against Armagh, which had to be held at Belfast's Corrigan Park, which has a capacity of less than 4,000.. See More: Casement Park, GAA, Hilary Benn, Jarlath Burns, Rachel Reeves


Irish Times
3 hours ago
- Irish Times
Casement Park redevelopment: British government offers £50m to back scheme
Uncertainty over the British government's commitment to rebuilding Casement Park in west Belfast ended at lunchtime on Wednesday. After weeks of speculation, a £50 million (€59 million) investment was offered by the treasury to Stormont to 'support the redevelopment' of the stadium as part of the British government's spending review. This sets out the government's spending plans over the coming years, subject to 'sufficient finance' being raised elsewhere. And therein lies the rub, given that there is a £90 million shortfall remaining of the estimated £260 million cost to transform the dilapidated site. [ Government 'absolutely committed' to pursuing redevelopment of Casement Park for Euro 2028 Opens in new window ] But for the GAA and those who have long campaigned for a redeveloped Casement Park, the government's funding commitment gives fresh impetus to a project mired in controversy for more than a decade. READ MORE 'This needs to be the beginning of the end of the saga,' said former Antrim County Board member Brendan Mulgrew. 'Funding is place by the British government. Some very hard conversations need to take place very quickly around what's the maximum that can be given by other bodies ... today is an opportunity to inject urgency into this project.' To date, Stormont, the Irish Government and the GAA havejointly contributed £120 million towards Casement. And for many campaigners, its fate now rests with them. Legal challenges, political disputes and spiralling costs have delayed progress on plans to build the proposed 34,500-capacity venue. The stadium, the home ground of Antrim GAA, closed in 2013. [ 'People said it will never happen but I was firm believer it would' Opens in new window ] Preparatory work at the Andersonstown Road site began last February when it was chosen as a venue for the Uefa Euro 2028 soccer tournament. The plan was pulled when the British government said seven months later it could not bridge the gap in time for the games. 'Stormont Ministers, the Irish Government and the GAA need to get round a table and decide how they are going to get this over the line,' said Mulgrew. Within 20 minutes of British chancellor of the exchequer Rachel Reeves confirming details of her government's spending plans, Tánaiste Simon Harris welcomed its investment and said he 'will now engage' with the GAA, British and Northern Ireland authorities 'to deliver a redeveloped stadium'. Up to €50 million was offered through the Irish Government's Shared Island fund last February. The GAA recently confirmed it will also increase its contribution from an original £15 million. However, the Stormont contribution could prove to be a stumbling block as Casement has become an increasingly politicised issue. Northern Ireland First Minister Michelle O'Neill has welcomed a commitment of €50 million from the Irish Government towards the rebuild of Casement Park. Stormont Ministers committed £62.5 million to Casement in 2011, as part of a strategy to revamp it along with Windsor Park and the rugby ground at Ravenhill. While the two other Belfast-based projects proceeded, the GAA scheme stalled. As recently as Monday, DUP Deputy First Minister Emma Little-Pengelly said that no 'special case' should be created to fund one particular organisation or sport in Northern Ireland, when asked about her support for Casement ahead of Wednesday's announcement. With Sinn Féin First Minister Michelle O'Neill calling for Casement to be built in the wake of the British funding commitment, the onus will now be on her Executive team to deliver. The project is an Executive 'flagship project' and 'more than just a sporting venue', she said on Wednesday.