Fan fury as Cork hurlers claim first Munster title in seven years
Munster hurling fans are up in arms after Cork claimed their first Munster title in seven years following a penalty shoot-out against six-in-a-row champions Limerick.
The Treaty City hosted the Rebels at the TUS Gaelic Grounds on Saturday evening, with the Cork side looking to redeem themselves after being beaten by Limerick just weeks previous.
After 70 minutes of play finished on a draw, extra time was called, with the additional 20 minutes also proving incapable of separating the sides thanks to a last-second point from Charleville man Darragh Fitzgibbon. Darragh Fitzgibbon of Cork is tackled by Michael Casey and William O'Donoghue of Limerick during the Munster GAA Hurling Senior Championship final match. Pic: Ray McManus/Sportsfile
After a 16-point beating last month, the Rebels were victorious, winning the shootout 3-2 to be crowned Munster Champions.
Cork manager Pat Ryan admitted his side 'didn't fight the last time' but had 'worked [and] fought really hard.'
'It just took penalties to separate us and we're just delighted to get the trophy,' he said, 'We know that we're a really, really good team. Cork manager Pat Ryan admitted his side 'didn't fight the last time' but had 'worked [and] fought really hard.' Pic: Ray McManus/Sportsfile
'But it's the same with every other team, there's loads of good teams out there and it's all about the attitude you bring and whether you're going to fight.'
The Glanmire native added that while he was missing a few lads, some substitutions throughout the game helped to 'freshen up the team.'
The manager admitted that the Rebels hadn't been practicing penalties that much as a team, adding that the lads had likely practiced a lot individually.
Thrilled to see Cork win tonight but I'd agree with @sportsdes It's almost sacrilegious to see the Munster Championship decided on a penalty shoot-out . Those are the cards we are dealt with a condensed
inter-county season.#rebelsabu #MunsterFinal ⬇️ https://t.co/VAu4il4Skw — Joe Seward (@JoeSeward1) June 7, 2025
Fans took to X to have their say on the nail-biting game, with many disappointed to see the game won on penalties.
Sports broadcaster Des Cahill said: 'Does a tremendous final like this really have to be decided by penalties? Imagine the anticipation, the craic, and the buzz if we were looking forward to a replay!
Replay deserved! Neither team should be loosing that way! There has to be a better way than peno! It's #Hurling for god sake! #GAA #MunsterFinal #Limerick #Cork https://t.co/3X9JeXr6Pc — Julian (@mayojg74) June 7, 2025
'This is the price of the condensed season. Congrats to Cork & Limerick on providing a superb #MunsterFinal.'
Another added: 'Thrilled to see Cork win tonight but I'd agree with @sportsdes It's almost sacrilegious to see the Munster Championship decided on a penalty shoot-out. Those are the cards we are dealt with a condensed inter-county season #rebelsabu #MunsterFinal.'
Everyone giving out that penalties are not a good way to decide the #MunsterFinal
Remember the GAA and supporters of the condensed season created this absurd mess — Fran Mallon (@FranMallon1) June 7, 2025
A third shared: 'Replay deserved! Neither team should be losing that way! There has to be a better way than a peno! It's #hurling for god sake.'
A fourth pointed out: 'Everyone giving out that penalties are not a good way to decide the #MunsterFinal.
'Remember the GAA and supporters of the condensed season created this absurd mess.'
There were also those who claimed that the referee was too lenient in the fixture, with some even suggesting that one team was favoured over another. However, it seems as though for every Cork fan who thought Limerick were getting preferential treatment, an equal amount felt the opposite was the case.
Cork now advance to the All Ireland semi-finals while Limerick enter the quarter-final stages.
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