It was another great day in this year’s hurling championship with the All-Ireland champions dethroned and Clare reach a coveted semi-final.
Cork upset their highly fancied opponents in what many observers have claimed is the end of an era in the Kilkenny camp. Whether that happens only time will tell, but we have to take our hats off to one of the greatest sides we have ever seen.
Today was one step too far and it was a particularly bad day for Henry Shefflin as he was sent off in the first-half for two bookable offences and Cork will now face the Dubs in two weeks for the right to play in the final.
The other semi-final will see Munster rivals Limerick take on Clare after the Banner men got the better of neighbours Galway in the second game at Semple Stadium today on a scoreline of 1-22 to 2-14.
Davy Fitzgerald’s men always seemed to have the better of last year’s All-Ireland finalists who struggled for long periods, though two second-half goals revived their challenge, though they could not close the gap by the end.
Here are some of the best pictures from the action in Thurles today.
Tommy Walsh and Luke O’Farrell battle for the ball
Henry Shefflin receives his second yellow card
Lorcan McLoughlin and Michael Fennelly getting to know each other
A groggy Richie Power carried from the field of play
Two giants of the game show mutual respect
A dejected Eoin Larkin after the final whistle
Stephen White and Conor Lehane celebrate a famous victory
Dara O’Briain an interested spectator in Thurles
Conor Ryan and Andy Smyth battle for possession
Conor McGrath celebrates his first-half goal
Davy Fitzgerald enjoys Conor McGrath’s goal for the Banner
David Collins, Shane Kavanagh, Jason Grealish and John Conlon in an aerial tussle
Referee Brian Gavin has words with Davy Fitzgerald on the sideline
A deflated Anthony Cunnigham
Damien Hayes congratulates Padraic Collins after the final whistle
