The Patrick Horgan condundrum: Do you start or leave off an icon?

Against Waterford last Sunday, there was a strong case that Cork were better in the 30-plus minutes when their great forward was no longer on the field. So what happens now?

Munster GAA Senior Hurling Championship Round 4, FBD Semple Stadium, Tipperary 1/5/2022 Cork vs Clare Cork’s Patrick Horgan appeals for a free Mandatory Credit ©INPHO/James Crombie

It was a day to celebrate – or at least celebrate him. Last Sunday in Walsh Park Patrick Horgan became the leading scorer in championship history – a feat worthy of his astonishing talent, dedication and service – as against the head Waterford were bate, the season saved, or at least prolonged for another week.

Kieran Kingston duly recognised and acknowledged the magnitude of what had occurred. Think of all the great hurlers and scorers this ancient game has offered. In Horgan’s own club alone: the Glen once had a fella you might have heard of by the name of Christy Ring. In his own county: Paddy (Sars) Barry, Jimmy Barry, Cummins, Charlie, Joe Deane. In Munster, the province of Mackey and Doyle and English. In all of hurling, before and since they brought in a backdoor: Rackard and Keher in the 20th century, followed by Carey, Flynn, Kelly, Shefflin, Callanan, Canning. Now Horgan stands above them all.