What's that about Cork and mushrooms?
The Rebel County's love of hurling has flourished more or less overnight this summer, with the thumping win over Tipp in the Munster quarter-final adding a huge fillip to the game in Cork. Club matches have been thronged ever since, with the stemming of the Tipp tide lifting all boats in Cork hurling.
The latest example came at Pairc Ui Rinn last night, as a phenomenal 8,142 people turned up to watch a Munster minor hurling semi-final replay with Tipperary. On a Monday night!
The initial game was drawn last Thursday, as a breathless game ended level after extra time in Thurles. Ultimately, Cork rewarded their enormous contingent with victory: 2-22 to 2-19. It could have been more comfortable for Cork: they led by eleven points after 42 minutes, but Tipp goals from Cathal Bourke and Kevin McCarthy made the semi-final a pretty close run thing.
Outstanding hurling on display at Pairc Ui Rinn this evening with Cork minors edging out Tipp in an epic encounter @MunsterGAA
— Micheál Martin (@MichealMartinTD) July 3, 2017
8,200 at this. Incredible. Cork minors into a Munster final. Cork hurling is fighting back 👍 https://t.co/Ai4rLRhVEO
— Trevor Carey (@trevorcarey1982) July 3, 2017
Serious effort by Tipp and Cork minors tonight in Cork, two brilliant teams. Cork two points better after over 140mins #legends #gaa
— Stephen Gleeson (@StephenGleeson_) July 3, 2017
The result means that Cork will contest both Munster finals in Thurles for the first time since 2006, both against Clare. The minor game throws-in at 2pm, with the senior game fixed for 4pm.
