'Cork are definitely a lot closer to getting there than we are': Eoin Larkin on Cork-Kilkenny rivalry

It was in 2008 that Kilkenny eclipsed Cork at the top of the All-Ireland SHC roll of honour. Cork have been stuck on 30 titles for 21 years, while The Cats’ haul of 36 has remained the same for 11.

Kilkenny hurler Cian Kenny, left, and Cork hurler Alan Connolly pictured during an Allianz National Hurling League media event at The Anner Hotel in Thurles. Pic: Sam Barnes/Sportsfile

At the zenith of their powers, Kilkenny were being feted like the Harlem Globetrotters.

At the intermission when they put up 5-9 to Tipperary’s 0-4 and again at the end, they were afforded a standing ovation in the league game in Nowlan Park in March 2009.