'Any chance of a ticket?' Ecstatic Cork hurling fans scramble for All-Ireland Final tickets

Phones and WhatsApp groups melt down as Cork fans hope to get to the final against Clare on July 21 after Sunday's victory over Limerick

Limerick fans were left reeling as Cork supporters celebrated after the GAA Hurling All-Ireland Senior Championship semi-final at Croke Park. Picture: Stephen McCarthy/Sportsfile

WhatsApp groups went into overdrive across the Rebel County last night as the scramble for All-Ireland hurling final tickets kicked off.

Sombrero and cape-wearing Cork GAA superfan Cyril Kavanagh, who is now among the tens of thousands of Rebel fans on the frantic hunt for tickets, said he’s never seen anything like it after the county’s hurlers dethroned the reigning champions Limerick, ending their remarkable drive for five, with an epic two-point win following a pulsating semi-final clash in Croke Park on Sunday.

Cork superfan Cyril Kavanagh, pictured here in 2020, said he’s never seen anything like the scramble for tickets. Picture: David Fitzgerald/Sportsfile

“I just hope the Lord keeps me alive for another two to three weeks,” Cyril said last night as he enjoyed the post-match celebrations in Dublin.

For the younger fans in their 20s, it’s just unbelievable really. Many of them have never seen a Cork hurling captain lift the Liam MacCarthy Cup or attended a homecoming on the South Mall.

“Sunday's semi-final was even better than when we beat Limerick in Páirc Uí Chaoimh a few weeks ago.

The GAA Hurling All-Ireland Senior Championship semi-final was a nailbiting experience for supporters of both sides but these Cork fans young and old had plenty to celebrate at the final whistle.  Picture: INPHO/Bryan Keane

“Every player was outstanding. But the pressure is on them now in fairness. They’ll have to have the same drive in two weeks as they did on Sunday. We won’t get anything soft off Clare.” 

As the Frank and Walters' unofficial Cork anthem 'After All' blared out across Croke Park on Sunday moments after the final whistle, fans were already trying to make travel arrangements for the final against Clare on July 21.

Fans Alex, Ross, Teirnan, Shea, and Bog were on the one road as they arrived for the All-Ireland SHC semi-final between Munster rivals Limerick and Cork at Croke Park. Picture: Stephen Collins/Collins

But the first two scheduled trains out of Kent Station to Dublin that morning were already fully booked out online. Irish Rail is expected to announce a series of additional match-day specials over the coming days to meet what’s expected to be unprecedented demand.

Five years since the heartbreak of their last All-Ireland hurling final appearance in 2021 ended in defeat to Limerick, and 19 years since Sean Óg Ó hAilpín became the last Cork hurling captain to lift the Liam MacCarthy Cup - a famine in Cork GAA terms - Cyril and the Rebel Army are now on the move.

As the tension ratcheted up towards the final whistle, every score became even more vital during the Cork v Limerick GAA All-Ireland Senior Hurling Championship Semi-Final at Croke Park. Picture: INPHO/Ryan Byrne

“I just hope the final tickets go to the real fans, to the fellas who’ve been going to all the matches,” Cyril said.

“I got a ticket handy enough for the semi-final but I haven’t got one for the final yet.

“And even if I don’t get one, I’ll probably just show up at the turnstiles and chance my arm.

“They are a bit pricey, but I suppose we’ll just have to make a few sacrifices over the next few weeks.”

Cork supporters celebrate after victory over Limerick in the GAA Hurling All-Ireland Senior Championship semi-final at Croke Park. Picture: Stephen McCarthy/Sportsfile

Newly-elected Cork city councillor, Labour's Peter Horgan, was quick out of the blocks after the final whistle with a press release calling on City Hall to create fan zones for those who can't get match-day tickets, and urging city businesses to deck the city out in red and white bunting and flags in the build-up to the final.

Limerick supporter Kevin O'Connor from Granagh Ballingarry in Limerick, with his six-year-old son Tommy from Ovens in Cork, ahead of the GAA Hurling All-Ireland Senior Championship semi-final at Croke Park. Picture: Daire Brennan/Sportsfile

“Seeing the senior hurlers reach the All Ireland is great testament to the team and now they need to see the city and surrounds come out and show their colours of support,” he said.

"I have already sought for flags to fly at City Hall and to be lit up red until the final on July 21.

“We also need to look at the creation of fan zones as an option for those who can’t get a ticket and ensure there is a family friendly way to support Cork.”