Croke Park challenge

Sport has always played an important role in Irish life. The establishment of the Gaelic Athletic Association in 1884 and the Gaelic League in 1893 have often been credited with inspiring the movement that led to Irish independence.

The first live radio broadcast of a hurling game was between Cork and Tipperary in 1926. While most of the world was at war in 1941, they were arguing in this country about the hurling supremacy of Cork or Tipperary, who were due to meet in the Munster Final that year. The game had to be postponed due to foot-and-mouth disease, but Cork were selected to go on to the All-Ireland championship and duly won the title.

The rivalry between the counties produced unforgettable games throughout the 20th century. People will remember great games between the two teams in Cork, Thurles, and Killarney, but this time Croke Park is the setting. Let us all hope for a great sporting spectacle and a further embellishment of the great game of hurling.