BBC rolls out star-studded line-up for All-Ireland Hurling final
As has become tradition, today's final is being shown live on the BBC and the British broadcaster have gone all out and have enlisted the help of some massive stars to help with today's television broadcast.
Actor Paul Mescal and horse racing icon Rachael Blackmore both appeared ahead of the final to speak with BBC presenters from the comforts of the Davin Stand.
Mescal is no stranger to Croke Park having played there as an underage star for Kildare as a youngster, and the Gladiator II star spoke about how important All-Ireland final day is to GAA fans in Ireland and around the world.
"All-Ireland final day is one of the most special days in the calendar and to be here with dad, we're so lucky to be getting free tickets to an All-Ireland final," he stated.
The actor added: "I'm so glad it's being shown across the UK because it is a huge cultural moment every year. It's a massive event for Irish people across the world. It's not just the people living in Ireland, it's for the diaspora and everybody else."
Joining Mescal and Blackmore in the stand was singer Tom Grennan, who was appearing at his first ever All-Ireland final: "This is amazing. This has been a dream of mine to come to an All-Ireland.
"I've got my dad with me. He has worn the Offaly shirt, but to be here and just to see everybody mixing... like if you saw this at a North London derby that wouldn't be the case. You'd have one half and one half where everybody's mixes, a sea of different colours. It's a beautiful thing."
While Mescal and Grennan have no dog in the fight this afternoon, proud Tipperary native Blackmore will be cheering on the Premier County and was even wearing a Tipp jersey as she showed her support for the men in blue and gold.
As it stands, Cork lead Tipp by six points on a scoreline of 1-16 to 0-13 after a brilliant goal from Shane Barrett on the stroke of half time.
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