Hurling is a national pastime here. I’ve mentioned it before but it was a long time ago in a previous incarnation of our website so, to summarise:

The aim of the game is to put the ball in the soccer style goal for three points or over the bar, rugby style, for one point. The ball is usually propelled by a hurley, a short fat hockey stick. It is generally considered to be the fastest field sport in the world and it is frankly miraculous that anyone is left standing at the end of the match.

The other major rule is that Cork always wins.

A couple of months ago, when Cork qualified for the Munster final, our good friend Rose happened to mention that she was usually able to get tickets. A week before the match the tickets were released and immediately snapped up. Some people had queued overnight for them. We assumed we would be watching the game on the TV like most other people. Then we got a text from Rose. She had tickets. We could go!

 

Rose is such an amazingly selfless person. She actually gave up her own ticket so that Kalle, Jane and I could all go. So we set off nice and early on Sunday expecting that the usual 2 hour drive to Thurles, Co. Tipperary would take much longer. Fortunately for us we were able to make a couple of calls to our man on the spot, Michael and get advice on the best approach to the town.

The centre of Thurles was a sea of Red (Cork) and Blue (Tipperary). Rivalry between counties in Hurling tends to be good natured, so other than being heckled by a couple of local children for wearing Cork colours, we experienced no animosity despite being deep in enemy territory. The match itself was an incredible spectacle. It was a tense affair throughout with neither team able to really take control of the game. The atmosphere was electric and the tension of the last few minutes, as Cork clung to a slim 3 point lead, was almost unbearable. There was a good deal of relief as the final whistle blew, confirming Cork as champions of Munster and keeping them on course for a 3rd All Ireland title later in the year.

We were so fortunate to have witnessed it and we are deeply indebted to Rose. Several work mates were unable to disguise their envy on Monday when they heard that we had got tickets. A once in a lifetime opportunity.

Thank God Cork won.