Hurling

Sign in

All-Ireland Hurling Final Preview

#Hurling

Your home for the latest news, views and analysis on all things hurling.

A COMPREHENSIVE SERIES OF ARTICLES ON THIS TOPIC

<p>Prior to 2022, the last time Cork had played Waterford in a senior championship match in Walsh Park was in 1975. Pic: ©INPHO/Ken Sutton</p>

S gaa

Christy O'Connor: Walsh Park being a Cork hurling burial ground is a myth

When Waterford beat Cork at Walsh Park in the 2024 Munster SHC, it reignited the old perception that the Rebels have a poor record at the Waterford City venue

<p>Centre-back Will O'Donoghue is a crucial component in the Limerick hurling machine. Pic: ©INPHO/James Crombie</p>

S gaa

Maurice Brosnan: Why Will O'Donoghue is central to Limerick system

<p>Ciarán Joyce suffered an ACL injury during Cork's Munster SHC victory over Limerick. Pic: Ray McManus/Sportsfile</p>

gaa

Cadogan: Joyce and Downey injuries 'monumental' blows for Cork

Dalo’s Hurling Show: Lethal Limerick beat the Clare offside trap

S gaa

Dalo’s Hurling Show: Lethal Limerick beat the Clare offside trap

John Murphy recalled as Cork U20s make one change for Clare semi-final

gaa

John Murphy recalled as Cork U20s make one change for Clare semi-final

Cork v Limerick - Munster GAA Senior Hurling Championship Round 2

gaa

Cork U20s get 'massive boost' with Barry Walsh available for Munster semi-final

Limerick v Clare - Munster GAA Hurling Senior Championship Round 5

S Anthony Daly: Temperatures rise in Munster but Clare can leave Limerick on the brink

The temperature is rising ahead of Clare and Limerick's Munster Hurling Championship clash on Sunday. The Banner have the freshness and depth to claim victory

Sun, 03 May, 2026

Clare's unexpected centre-back and 'mini-Tarzan' bring Banner freshness

Clare's unexpected centre-back and 'mini-Tarzan' bring Banner freshness

Niall O'Farrell and Diarmuid Stritch have broken into the Clare hurling team this year. For their former Ard Scoil Rís coach Niall Moran, that is not a surprise

Sat, 02 May, 2026

Who’s hurling’s greatest player-manager? Ranking the top 15 dual careers

Who’s hurling’s greatest player-manager? Ranking the top 15 dual careers

A definitive ranking of hurling’s greatest dual careers highlights icons who excelled as players and managers across eras

Sat, 02 May, 2026

Cork v Limerick - Munster GAA Senior Hurling Championship Round 2

Here are some unsettling facts that will worry Limerick and John Kiely

Some unsettling facts for the Limerick hurlers as they seek a first Munster SHC win in four games

Sat, 02 May, 2026

Munster MHC: Cork close on final with comfortable win over Clare

Munster MHC: Cork close on final with comfortable win over Clare

A win or a draw for Cork at home to Limerick will send them through to the Munster MHC final against Tipperary. Clare must wait on other results to discover whether they progress to the All-Ireland series

Fri, 01 May, 2026

Diarmaid Byrnes and Peter Duggan 21/4/2024

Clare and Limerick veterans are Munster hurling's most familiar foes

Host of key Banner and Treaty hurlers are in their 30s and featured in the first provincial group stages in 2018

Thu, 30 Apr, 2026

Tipperary players collects their helmets after the game 12/1/2014

Most inter-county players used substandard helmets last weekend

Nine of them sported 'Gola' headgear, which have been described as "dangerous products” by the Competition and Consumer Protection Commission

Thu, 30 Apr, 2026

Mayo players inspect the pitch 26/4/2026

Maurice Brosnan: How communication can transform a GAA team

Even the best can be baffled by it. It is an issue from the top of the game to the bottom. What can you do?

Wed, 29 Apr, 2026

Antrim v Dublin - Allianz Hurling League Division 1B

Antrim deny attempt to remove Davy Fitzgerald as hurlers skip training

In a statement issued on Wednesday, Antrim chairman Seamus McMullan said "at no point was any decision taken to remove Davy Fitzgerald from his position"

Wed, 29 Apr, 2026

Ben O’Connor after the game 26/4/2026

S Fogarty Forum: Expectation once again raises its head for Cork

The Cork hurlers have long shaken off doubts about their physicality but as expectation builds once again, can they handle the tag of favourites?

Tue, 28 Apr, 2026

Kevin Mahony celebrates scoring a goal 26/4/2026

Player ratings: Bennett, Nolan and super subs inspire Waterford, McGrath and O'Donoghue lead Tipp

Waterford fought back from 11 points down at half-time to draw with Tipperary in the Munster SHC. The result keeps the championship hopes of both sides alive

Sun, 26 Apr, 2026

Waterford v Tipperary - Munster GAA Hurling Senior Championship Round 2

Cahill feared 'the dam had busted' once Tipperary relinquished lead

Asked about the excitement of the game towards the end, Cahill revealed with a smile that he had his cardio health checked before the game.

Sun, 26 Apr, 2026

Cork v Limerick - Munster GAA Senior Hurling Championship Round 2

Ben O'Connor: There are questions asked of our fellas mentally... them fellas aren’t mentally weak at all

The Rebels have moved on from their All-Ireland final woes by coming good in the second half of both victories over Tipp and Limerick.

Sun, 26 Apr, 2026

Seán O'Donoghue celebrates with supporters after the game 26/4/2026

Cork v Limerick: Rebels put old rivals on the back foot after another epic

John Kiely's side had Cian Lynch dismissed at Páirc Uí Chaoimh.

Sun, 26 Apr, 2026

Alan Connolly celebrates the final whistle 26/4/2026

Player ratings: Connolly key for Cork, Casey and O'Brien lead Limerick challenge

There were some big performances in both red and green at Supervalu Páirc Uí Chaoimh.

Sun, 26 Apr, 2026

Waterford v Tipperary - Munster GAA Hurling Senior Championship Round 2

As it happened: No separating Waterford and Tipperary after Munster SHC thriller

The sides shared the spoils at Walsh Park.

Sun, 26 Apr, 2026

Tipperary v Cork - Munster GAA Hurling Senior Championship Round 1

S Anthony Daly: Unless Tipp show what they’re made of against Waterford, they can forget about 2026

Team selection secrecy, scoring concerns and defensive match-ups dominate analysis ahead of crucial Munster hurling championship encounters

Sun, 26 Apr, 2026

Limerick v Cork - Allianz Hurling League Division 1A Final

In Gillane absence, Limerick young guns must reprise spring promise

Aaron Gillane's injury-enforced absence for Limerick's trip to Páirc Uí Chaoimh means Cork do not have to find an answer to one of hurling's toughest conundrums

Sat, 25 Apr, 2026

Clare Hurling Squad Portraits 2021

Munster MHC: Classy Clare keep hopes alive with win over Waterford

Clare had lost their opening two games to Tipperary and Limerick

Fri, 24 Apr, 2026

The 25th Annual Circet All-Ireland GAA Golf Challenge

Pat Bennett on helping hurling, managing against his sons, and facing Davy Fitz

'The likes of Carlow, Antrim, Westmeath, Kerry... Have they improved in the last 30 years? Have they come up. They haven't.'

Fri, 24 Apr, 2026

Kilkenny hurlers must sign in for long term says Andy Comerford as loss of Ryan and Lawlor keenly felt

Kilkenny hurlers must sign in for long term says Andy Comerford as loss of Ryan and Lawlor keenly felt

'You can go on your holidays when you retire. You’ll have loads of times then to go and see the world'

Thu, 23 Apr, 2026

Cork v Limerick - Munster GAA Hurling Senior Championship Round 3

John Kiely issues rallying call to Limerick supporters ahead of Cork clash

Limerick head into Sunday's Munster SHC clash against Cork with just one player unavailable through injury

Wed, 22 Apr, 2026

Darragh McCarthy looks to the sideline 19/4/2026

S Hurling observations: Tipp v Cork endgame shows thin line between risk and reward

So much that goes on during hurling matches is missed by those watching on TV. Broadcasters could do a better job of informing viewers.

Wed, 22 Apr, 2026

Tipperary v Cork - Munster GAA Hurling Senior Championship Round 1

Tipp senior star O'Donoghue absent from U20 for Clare test

O'Donoghue had started the Tipperary U20 side's victories over Cork and Waterford

Wed, 22 Apr, 2026

The 25th Annual Circet All-Ireland GAA Golf Challenge

'Confidence is high' in Kilkenny camp despite sobering Galway defeat

Keoghan said John Donnelly's red card made life more difficult against Galway but also that Kilkenny must learn how to cope better when they are down a player

Wed, 22 Apr, 2026

Galway v Dublin - Allianz Football League Division 1

S Fogarty Forum: Ger Brennan is serving a brutal penance for a rash moment

For what Ger Brennan did on the field in Salthill last month, missing seven games would be grossly disproportionate.

Tue, 21 Apr, 2026

Patrick Collins 18/5/2025

How Cork fixed a league final flaw against Tipperary

"Against Limerick, we learned, especially on our own puckouts and working the ball out," said Cork's Ciarán Joyce. "I haven't seen the stats yet, but I'd say they're definitely positive."

Tue, 21 Apr, 2026

Alan Connolly in action 19/4/2026

S Patrick Horgan: Cork v Tipp was my first championship game as a spectator

Cork did well against Tipprary, especially new lads William Buckley and Barry Walsh, but the service to the full-forward line needs to improve

Tue, 21 Apr, 2026

Carlow v Clare - Allianz Hurling League Division 1B

Brendan Bugler: Beating Waterford was 'a non-negotiable' for Clare

“We're kind of expecting them to perform," Bugler said about Clare's young players. "It's a great thing when you're naming a team."

Mon, 20 Apr, 2026

Tipperary v Cork - Munster GAA Hurling Senior Championship Round 1

S Brian Gavin: Five ways to improve (yes, improve) hurling

A heavier sliotar, puckouts having to travel beyond the 45m line, and one-v-one throw-ins are among the rules former inter-county referee Brian Gavin would like to see trialed during the 2027 National Hurling League

Mon, 20 Apr, 2026

Tipperary v Cork - Munster GAA Hurling Senior Championship Round 1

GAA explains Hawk-Eye problem during Tipperary v Cork clash

Referee Seán Stack was informed the ball had gone wide 30 seconds after Darragh Fitzgibbon's effort but there was a problem displaying that information on the screen

Mon, 20 Apr, 2026

Darragh Fitzgibbon to meet young Cork fan hurt during Semple celebrations

Darragh Fitzgibbon to meet young Cork fan hurt during Semple celebrations

Fitzgibbon will present a signed jersey to the supporter. The young fan and his family will attend Cork v Limerick at Páirc Uí Chaoimh on Sunday

Mon, 20 Apr, 2026

Offaly v Dublin - Leinster GAA Senior Hurling Championship Round 1

S Christy O'Connor: Clare set new record and Offaly taste rock-and-roll days

Plus Galway pull another rabbit out of the hat

Mon, 20 Apr, 2026

Jason Forde is tackled by Robert Downey 19/4/2026

Switch of 'outstanding' Rob Downey key in Cork victory over Tipp

Cork hit 22 points from play in their win against Tipperary, compared to just 1-9 for their opponents

Mon, 20 Apr, 2026

Shane O'Donnell with Mark Fitzgerald 19/4/2026

Maurice Brosnan: Clare and Waterford embrace pedal to the metal hurling

Clare beat Waterford in a game featuring 88 shots and 66 scores. “And sure, that is what everyone wants, isn't it?" said Déise boss Peter Queally

Mon, 20 Apr, 2026

Cork SHL: Carrigtwohill fight to vital draw as Midleton maintain perfect record

Cork SHL: Carrigtwohill fight to vital draw as Midleton maintain perfect record

Elsewhere, Ben Cunningham hit 0-10 from play as St Finbarr's beat Sarsfields

Sun, 19 Apr, 2026

Ben O'Connor 19/4/2026

Ben O'Connor: 'Limerick are the team to beat, they have been for the last ten years'

O'Connor said Cork increasing their work-rate, along with having a slight breeze behind them in the second half, helped his side win Sunday's arm-wrestle with Tipperary

Sun, 19 Apr, 2026

Robert Downey receives a yellow card from Seán Stack 19/4/2026

S Brian Gavin: Lighter touch with the whistle would have made Tipp-Cork a better spectacle

The start of the Munster senior hurling championship always poses a difficult assignment for referees.

Sun, 19 Apr, 2026

Tipperary v Cork - Munster GAA Hurling Senior Championship Round 1

Player ratings: How Cork and Tipperary rated in the Munster SHC clash in Thurles

Cork had the better performers all over FBD Semple Stadium

Sun, 19 Apr, 2026

William Buckley celebrates after the game 19/4/2026

'When you get selected, it's about expressing yourself': Buckley sparkles on Cork championship bow

Barrs man William Buckley was one of the stars for Cork in their Munster SHC victory over Tipperary

Sun, 19 Apr, 2026

Stephen Bennett with Eibhear Quilligan, Niall O'Farrell and Adam Hogan 19/4/2026

Clare v Waterford player ratings: Hat-trick hero Stephen Bennett stars

Eoin Brennan goes through how each player fared as Clare held off a late Waterford fightback.

Sun, 19 Apr, 2026

Tipperary v Cork - Munster GAA Hurling Senior Championship Round 1

Buckley and Walsh shine as second half Cork surge sees off Tipp

Tipperary didn’t score from play in the second half until substitute Sam O’Farrell’s 64th minute point. It was a strong indicator of just how much they played second fiddle to Cork

Sun, 19 Apr, 2026

Clare v Waterford - Munster GAA Hurling Senior Championship Round 1

Brian Lohan: 'Obviously, we're going to get criticised now for how we played defensively'

Clare conceded four goals to Waterford, and the Deise felt they left chances abegging which would have made the game closer than the the six-point gap at full-time

Sun, 19 Apr, 2026

Shane O'Donnell with Mark Fitzgerald 19/4/2026

Clare outgun Waterford in rip-roaring 60-score Munster SHC clash

Clare held off a late Waterford fightback to claim the two points. Despite holding healthy leads in the second half, it was never comfortable for the Banner.

Sun, 19 Apr, 2026