RAIN. RAIN. Rain. The day broke badly, promising only the helter skelter of a greasy pitch at a time when we wanted a guarantee of history. By the time we had established that Tipperary’s passion for heaven was more intense and coherent than Kilkenny’s drive for five we could utter no complaints. We were sated and grateful. And Tipp were champions.
This second successive epic All-Ireland hurling final between these bluebloods was a fast forward reel of incredible moments: the quick as a fish genius of Tipperary’s Lar Corbett as he went about scoring the three goals which broke the greatest team in hurling history; the poignant sight of Henry Shefflin departing the stage after just 13 minutes; the visceral thrill of some of the hits and challenges; the dignity of Kilkenny in defeat; the unbounded joy of Tipperary.
“It was superb,” said Tipp manager Liam Sheedy. “We have worked hard this year, it has been a tough journey. It took twists and turns and at times we turned over the car.”
When Kilkenny, champions for the last four years burst onto the field of play 20 minutes or so before throw in, 81,765 pairs of eyes were on one man. Henry Shefflin burst from the tunnel, gave a little shimmy in front of photographers and drove a ball high towards the Hill 16 end.
Thirteen minutes after throw-in Henry Shefflin’s All-Ireland final ended though. Making a run toward the Cusack Stand side, his knee just surrendered. For Kilkenny there was nothing rousing or motivating about it. He was gone and they just had to keep going.
In the end Tipperary won by 4-17 to 1-18, an unlikely margin and one which perhaps exaggerated their superiority over Kilkenny. Tipperary were just younger, hungrier and more honest in the physical expression of their passion.