Cork claimed their first Munster hurling title in seven years after a dramatic penalty shootout win over reigning champions Limerick at the Gaelic Grounds on Saturday night, capping an extraordinary turnaround from their 16-point loss in the round-robin stage just weeks ago.
The Rebels emerged 3-2 winners on penalties following a fiercely contested draw after extra time, with Darragh Fitzgibbon forcing the shootout with a late equalising ’65. Jubilant Cork fans celebrated on the pitch to the tune of Freed from Desire, as stand-in captain Shane Barrett was called to collect the Mick Mackey Cup—though it was regular skipper Rob Downey, playing through injury, who ultimately lifted the trophy.
“It was an honour for us to come up here and fight,” said Cork manager Pat Ryan. “We didn’t fight the last time, but tonight we represented the jersey properly. The lads worked really, really hard.”
Limerick’s Shane O’Brien put his side ahead with a crucial goal in the 46th minute, but Cork remained composed. With both sides level an astonishing 15 times during the match, extra time saw tension spill over. The two management teams had a heated exchange at halftime, seeking clarity from referee Thomas Walsh over a stingy free count—just three each in the first half.
Ryan downplayed the incident. “We’re all fighting tooth and nail for calls,” he said, praising Walsh and James Owens, who stepped in when Walsh suffered cramp in extra time.
Cork had previously endured extra-time heartbreak against Clare, but this time showed greater composure. Impact from the bench proved crucial, with Robbie O’Flynn, Tommy O’Connell, and Shane Kingston all contributing on the scoreboard. Downey and Niall O’Leary also featured after being deemed unfit to start.
Cork had not practised penalties as a team ahead of the shootout, Ryan revealed, but individual preparation paid off. Goalkeeper Patrick Collins was the hero, saving three of Limerick’s five attempts.
Despite the celebrations, Ryan stressed the importance of staying grounded ahead of the All-Ireland semi-finals on July 5, where Cork will face either Tipperary, the Joe McDonagh runners-up, or the beaten Leinster finalists.
“We beat a brilliant Limerick team, but this is just one step,” said Ryan. “We’ll need to manage the next four weeks carefully. There’s a lot still to play for.”
