75 years ago thunder rolled at Croke Park on eve of world war

Today marks the 75th anniversary of one the most memorable All-Ireland hurling finals in history.

Early in the second half a big black cloud, which the crowd had had under anxious observation for some time, seemed to be split by a flash of forked lightning.

Thunder belched and rain began to descend in torrents. Spectators on the sideline rushed for cover. The match, far from being abandoned by the referee, MJ Flaherty from Tullamore, continued with even greater abandon.