Red-letter day in Cork strongholds

Hurling is like a religion in GAA strongholds in Co Cork and nowhere in the Rebel County was more proud yesterday at the All-…

Hurling is like a religion in GAA strongholds in Co Cork and nowhere in the Rebel County was more proud yesterday at the All-Ireland win than Rathcormac.

The hurling mad village is home to Brian Murphy, a member of the triumphant Cork squad which ended Kilkenny's three-in-a-row dream.The town has been awash with red and white flags all week. Pupils at Scoil Bhride national school even donned their Cork jerseys in class last Friday to wish their heroes every success.

School principal, Margaret Howard, said she was overjoyed that former pupil, Brian, had won his first All-Ireland medal for Cork.

"This is just tremendous for the school and for Brian himself. He would be a hero to all the children here. Brian's family are very involved in GAA on a local level so we know them all. His exploits have been a huge inspiration to all the children here."

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Liam Lane, who watched the match at the Rathcormac Inn, said he was thrilled that Cork managed to up the ante after a disappointing first half. "The first half was poor. No doubt. But in the end we just ran away with it. Even when we were down six to three I hoped it would get better. Then we got a nice couple of points to keep us close. The second half was great."

Castlelyons was another hotbed of festivities last night as locals applauded the efforts of local lad Timmy McCarthy.

School teacher Margaret Cashman remembers Timmy being "star struck" when Dennis Walsh brought the McCarthy cup to the school in 1986 following the county's All-Ireland win. "He was in about third class when the cup came to the school. I did have a photo of him with the cup which I gave to him. "It is absolutely marvellous that he has won an All-Ireland of his own."

The victorious Cork squad are expected to arrive in Kent Station, Cork between 7.15 and 7.30 p.m. The team will also maintain the tradition of stopping at Mallow station to meet fans. The hurlers are due in to Mallow at 6.30 p.m.