A long-serving Rebel, dedicated to the cause

THE date was mid-July 2002 and the venue was Semple Stadium, a spiritual home for so many Cork hurling teams over the decades. But not this time.

That day, the team which had failed to Waterford in the Munster semi-final and struggled over Limerick in the qualifier, simply capitulated against Galway. It was embarrassing for everyone involved and a personal blow to their respected coach Bertie Óg Murphy.

But it was also a defining event in the way that it precipitated the groundbreaking player strike later in the year. Ultimately, this created the environment for the serious challenge for honours the following year, victory in 2004 and a third straight appearance in the decider next Sunday.