Maurice Brosnan's hurling observations: The sweeper won’t become fashionable. But it will rear its head again

Bryan O’Mara slotted into the number seven role, knowing Cork often favour that wing. Their matchups were on point across every line. Even still, the favourites played straight into their hands.

Bryan O'Mara of Tipperary celebrates his side winning a free. Pic: Seb Daly/Sportsfile

An All-Ireland final loss is one of those blows that gets worse with repeat deliverance. Familiarity doesn’t dull the sting. It sharpens it. 

The very first time, there might be some comfort in simply having arrived. Every defeat after that is a different form of torture.