A stunning Cork outfit came of age against All-Ireland champions Tipperary with a sensational 2-27 to 1-26 victory in Thurles.
In a make or break tie for Kieran Kingston's young squad, which included five Championship debutantes in its starting XV, the Rebels scored an astonishing 2-22 of their 2-27 from play, with goals from Shane Kingston and comeback kid Mikey Cahalane steering them into the Munster semi-final.
The teams were level on no fewer than 12 occasions in the first half during a pulsating encounter, but Kingston's goal early in the second half put Cork in the ascendancy and they scarcely looked back.
Hurling was the real winner as per the RTÉ panel, although try telling that to Cork fans who've seen their county arguably become the weakest GAA county in Munster over the past couple of years.
Nonetheless, it was a game which will live long in the memory even for the neutral, and people took to Twitter in their droves in a show of appreciation for a frankly insane game of hurling. And sure look, there wasn't a sweeper in sight either.
A game for the ages. Cork stun All Ireland champions Tipperary by winning by 2-27 to 1-26. pic.twitter.com/9VFqL53nkq
— 98FM Sport (@98FMsport) May 21, 2017
WOW! Cork 2-27 Tipp 1-26. What a game. Reaction from Jamesie now.
— Off The Ball (@offtheball) May 21, 2017
One of those special days in Thurles-a classic game of hurling. Great performance by Cork against a gallant Tipp team.
— Micheál Martin (@MichealMartinTD) May 21, 2017
The BALLS on these Cork young lads...
— Ciarán Murphy (@saveciaranmurph) May 21, 2017
Dear Munster Hurling Championship. We've missed you. Welcome back.
— Sinéad Kissane (@sineadkissane) May 21, 2017
#TippvCork The Rebels have found their mojo ! Sweet ! Thanks to both teams who served up hurling of the highest quality. #Rebels #Tipp #Cork
— john creedon (@johncreedon) May 21, 2017
Take a breath... what a game! 👏👏#corkvtipp
— Paul Flynn (@Flinto23) May 21, 2017
We're back!!!! #rebels
— Michael Cussen (@CussM) May 21, 2017
Serious performance from Cork to beat Tipp today especially in Thurles #TippvCork #ChampionshipSunday #gaa
— Conal keaney (@ConalKeaney) May 21, 2017
What a win!! Unbelievable performance! #RebelsAbu 🔴 #SomeHurling
— Cathal Naughton (@CathalNaughton) May 21, 2017
BEST...GAME...EVER!!
— Craig Rogers (@Rodgie5) May 21, 2017
Great to see #Cork legend @dsully3 celebrating on the pitch with the lads #corkvtipp
— Gary Spike OSullivan (@spike_osullivan) May 21, 2017
Great performance by Cork..Tipp will still be in Croke Park first Sunday in September..have to do it the long way round now
— matthew macklin (@mattmacklin) May 21, 2017
That was some great stuff by Cork, beating Tip in a seesaw thriller...
— Michael Carlson (@Carlsonsports) May 21, 2017
Look at all those cork hurlers stopping for selfies and talking to fans instead of warming down. Disgrace 😂😂😂😂😂😂
— Alan O'Mara (@AOMTHECAT) May 21, 2017
Well done to Cork and Tipperary on providing an outstanding Munster quarter final
— Paul England (@Paulsheffield24) May 21, 2017
@RTEgaa proper start to champo today.Unreal match served up by Tipp/Cork.Not a sweeper in sight #gaa #Tipperary #Cork
— Tommy Courtney 👨💻 (@TommyC15) May 21, 2017
And so Cork did indeed rediscover their Corkness...
— Enda McEvoy (@EndaEndamac95) May 21, 2017
Very proud of those lads - pride, spirit and skill. Well done to one and all #TIPPVCOR #GAA
— Tracey Kennedy (@Tracey_Cork) May 21, 2017
The Rebels have sounded a warning. They're back. And one would presume Tipp won't be too far off this season either. What a game.
