REBEL FANS HEARTBROKEN AT CORK’S EXIT – BUT ARE RIGHTLY PROUD OF THEIR TEAM
A RAGING sense of anticipation gave way to a crushing sense of what might have been following Cork’s dramatic loss to Limerick in Sunday’s absorbing All-Ireland Senior Hurling Championship defeat.
Crestfallen rebel supporters made their way out of the Croke Park coliseum bitterly disappointed after witnessing a sporting spectacle that enthralled fans and armchair viewers on TV.
More than 71,000 supporters made it to Dublin, creating a wonderful atmosphere.
Thankfully, the early-afternoon rain relented as hordes of red-and-whiteclad fans mixed with those in green and white, creating a carnival-like atmosphere on O’Connell Street and both outside and inside the stadium.
And from a match that will go down as one of the most thrilling and nail-biting classics ever staged, the outcome of the humdinger could have gone either way.
However, it was not to be for Cork, and while fans were devastated, the majority of Cork supporters held a resounding sense of pride about the team’s campaign.
Boherbue’s Thomas Ankatell commended all four hurling teams on contributing to magnificent semi-finals in Croker.
“Two epic games played by amateur players who gave everything for their counties. To the Cork team, I say thank you for the pride and passion showed all season. We’re proud of you and look forward to starting the journey again next season,” said Thomas
Earlier in the day, Cork fans had expressed confidence, with John Joe Daly from Millstreet saying how manager John Meyler had blended youth and experience in his side.
“Charleville’s Darragh Fitzgibbon, Shane Kingston and Mark Coleman are all outstanding hurlers, while the more experienced players of Pat Horgan, Seamus Harnedy and Conor Lehane are also all in fine form coming into this crucial game,” he said.
If that trio put in massive performances it will be very hard for Limerick.
Likewise, Dromtariffe’s Darragh Crowley made the trip to Dublin by train and felt confident of Cork continuing their good form.
“If Cork can get anywhere near the level of performances they reached in Munster, coupled with the fact the game is in Croke Park in front of a huge support, it should be enough to get over the line,” he said.
From a game that simply didn’t draw a breath to pause, Cork looked good to succeed but, in a dramatic turnaround of fortunes, they failed to sustain a spell of dominance to the finishing line.
A dejected Cork captain Seamus Harnedy summed up a devastating defeat, expressing disappointment at the conclusion to a wonderful sporting occasion.
“It was a tough outcome, we missed a few chances to pull it off. Limerick kept coming at us to eventually claim a win. I’m incredibly proud of the players, management and supporters that contributed so much for Cork to return to Croke Park”, said the gutted St Ita’s player.