Irish Examiner Classic: ‘God, I suppose this is heaven. And it was’ - Aidan Ryan on Tipp glory days, Babs and Cork rivalry

Ahead of the latest renewal of Tipperary v Cork in Thurles this weekend, we raid the archive for this in-depth interview by Kieran Shannon with a Premier County legend.

Eamonn Morrissey of Kilkenny chases Aidan Ryan of Tipp in the 1991 All-Ireland decider. Pic: INPHO

Bearing down on the Cork goal by the Killinan End, firing it low past Ger Cunningham’s left, pumping his fist, in joy, in relief, then engulfed by a throng of jubilant supporters surging onfield with their flags, hats and rosettes, even wheelchairs. Whatever else he did in life Aidan Ryan would always have the Munster final replay of ’91.

But after the moment there’s still a life to live. Some stay in the limelight. Some go off the rails when they realise they can’t. Aidan Ryan just slipped away to live the kind of quiet life he likes to live.