There are certain occasions in sport when those who don't normally tune into a particular code can't help but be drawn in. Times whenever the whole nation seems to stop to marvel at the magnificence of a particular occasion. World title fights. Olympic Games. The All-Ireland hurling final.
Today, it wasn't just hurling people who were enthralled by the splendour of the occasion as Tipp and Kilkenny did royal battle under a clear sky.
Before the game, the great and good of Irish sport (and culture) were readying themselves for a sporting feast.
Very grateful to be invited to the All Ireland Final @officialgaa . Congrats @TipperaryGAA minors. Now for Liam 💪 pic.twitter.com/tZ68wzcqe3
— Ciara Mageean (@ciaramageean) September 4, 2016
With the legend DJ Carey! #AllIrelandFinal pic.twitter.com/kJnP3RpQDm
— Michael Conlan (@mickconlan11) September 4, 2016
All-Ireland Hurling final today! I hope whoever is sitting in my seats has a lovely, lovely day. No, really. I hope it's a classic. Harrumph
— Dara Ó Briain (@daraobriain) September 4, 2016
And, as the match got underway, it seemed sure that we were destined for a classic. But, as always, some Sky Sports viewers were rather surprised at what they were witnessing (non-hurling people, one would guess).
All Ireland Hurling. What an absolute mess of a sport. Like a dozen hobos fighting over a sandwich until one emerges and blasts it at goal.
— Mike Brannan 🍒 (@hithisiswes) September 4, 2016
It seemed as the first half went on that Tipp were notching up a few too many wides that could (as they always say) "come back to haunt them" later on.
Imagine how far ahead Tipp would be if they didn't have so many silly wides
— Jack Hanratty (@j_hanratty_95) September 4, 2016
Seamie Callanan was on flying form, with four scores from play in the first 25 minutes - his immense skill overshadowing even his sartorial independence.
Why is Seamus Callanan wearing different shorts to every other Tipp player... #KKvTIPP
— Paul (@paulpmcg) September 4, 2016
There was a lot of talk about the 'i' word in the lead-up to the game (too much, some might argue). The game was certainly packed full of it and half-time came with Tipp ahead by two points as the second half hung mouth-wateringly in the balance.
If Callanan continued playing the way he was, a Tipp win seemed likely. The question was, would Brian Cody keep the faith in Joey Holden or would he switch Paul Murphy onto Callanan?
How long will Brian Cody persist with Joey Holden at full-back? Seamus Callanan after taking him for 5 points in 35 minutes. #KKvTIPP
— Kevin O'Brien (@Kevobrien) September 4, 2016
Tipp forwards rotating across the front and around Paul Murphy in particular. Must have read that article on him during the week :) #KKvTIPP
— KCLR 96FM (@kclr96fm) September 4, 2016
'Bubbles' O'Dwyer was looking awesome all game for Tipp. As a result Ger Canning sounded like a salesman for baby shampoo for much of the start of the second half.
Jackie Tyrell, T.J Reid, Walter Walsh ('Welsh'), 'Booner' Maher and 'Bubbles' O'Dwyer. What fantastic names they are. Just say them. Class.
— Stephen Healy (@stephenhealy87) September 4, 2016
Then, whenever Kevin Kelly scored for Kilkenny, we weren't even surprised. These things are inevitable when you spend all week ruminating on his 'surprise' inclusion.
Kevin Kelly scores a goal. Of course he does.
— Balls.ie (@ballsdotie) September 4, 2016
Bubbles O'Dwyer then popped up to slam a goal past Eoin Murphy, provoking some impromptu poetry from Roy Curtis of the Sunday World. Tipp looked to be well and truly in the driving seat at this stage.
Forever glowing Bubbles
Killenaule's trident missile
A goal for the ages#AllIrelandFinal #KILvTIPP— Roy Curtis (@RoyCurtis68) September 4, 2016
Michael Duignan on RTE co-commentary was perplexed as to why Brian Cody still hadn't altered his full-back line as Tipperary looked to pull away, while praising Callanan's 11 points after sixty minutes of play as "one of the greatest All-Ireland performances ever".
John McGrath continued on a magnificent day for the family with a stunning goal, and for a second we perhaps dared to rule Kilkenny out...
That should be that - John McGrath with Tipp's second goal https://t.co/vMOWgb8QKy #rtegaa pic.twitter.com/tg1QH7ZAeY
— The Sunday Game (@TheSundayGame) September 4, 2016
...but inevitably the Cats refused to lie down, and responded with a goal from Richie Hogan followed by a quite incredible save from Murphy.
Eoin Murphy is superhuman! #KKvTipp
— Marie Kenny (@Hugheslander81) September 4, 2016
The last few minutes saw a certain level of acceptance sink in, as the result of the match became inevitable and thoughts turned to the mind-blowing performances from messrs O'Dwyer and Callanan.
There will be zero anticipation when the Man of the match envelope is opened tonight. #seamiecallanan #unreal #TippvKK #AllIrelandFinal
— Rory's Stories (@RorysStories) September 4, 2016
Well there may not be a cow milked in #Tipperary tonight but there'll be Bubbles blown in Coppers 😂😉😆#AllIrelandFinal #TippvKK
— The Loose Head (@TheLooseH) September 4, 2016
One of the truly great sporting performances of recent years - both from a team and an individual in Callanan, closely followed by O'Dwyer. Few could have seen Kilkenny being blown away with such ferocity by the Premier County.
Michael Conlan was suitably smug in the aftermath. And well he might enjoy it. Antrim aren't going anywhere any time soon.
Up Tipp!!! #KKvTIPP #AllIrelandFinal #Champions pic.twitter.com/X2fkWyj5mv
— Michael Conlan (@mickconlan11) September 4, 2016
