A monkey off Cork backs in contest that never delivered

For Cork as a county and entity, it will feel liberating and a sizeable corner of a jigsaw solved

Celebrations for Cork players will be muted with All-Ireland champions Clare awaiting in the opening round of the Munster SHC a week on Sunday. Pic: Piaras Ó Mídheach/Sportsfile

Allianz HL Division 1A final: Cork 3-24 Tipperary 0-23 

The champagne corks won’t be popping just yet – even if winning this competition the past two seasons has augured well for its champions three months down the line. But vanquishing the ghosts of the past is surely worth some cheer. And with a national cup to toast, Pat Ryan sent his charges into a fine spring evening to imbibe and acknowledge a job well done.