Cork hurling’s prolific goal-scorers led their team to a commanding 10-point victory over Tipperary, securing the Rebels’ first Allianz Hurling League title since 1998 and their first national trophy in 20 years. The match, played in front of a sold-out crowd of 43,243 at Páirc Uí Chaoimh, saw Cork’s free-scoring attack extend their impressive run of 13 goals across their last three games.
Under the guidance of Pat Ryan, Cork’s attackers were unstoppable. Alan Connolly, Darragh Fitzgibbon, and Ethan Twomey each found the back of the net, ensuring Cork’s victory was never in doubt. The win provides a morale boost for the Rebels ahead of their Munster Championship opener against Clare in a fortnight, while Tipperary, facing a heavy defeat, must regroup before hosting Limerick on Easter Sunday.
Cork’s lineup saw several changes, with Eoin Downey, Cormac O’Brien, Diarmuid Healy, and Connolly all starting. Meanwhile, Tipperary manager Liam Cahill made three adjustments, welcoming back Alan Tynan from suspension, and Sam O’Farrell and Darragh McCarthy from U20 duty.
The match started with a high tempo, with both teams level four times in the first 20 minutes. Jason Forde’s sharp scoring, including a brilliant effort from a tight angle, briefly gave Tipperary a 0-05 to 0-04 lead. However, Connolly’s quick thinking saw Cork edge back in front after he flicked the ball over for a point following an initial goal attempt.
Tipperary’s attacking threat faltered as Forde hit the side-netting, and when Jake Morris became the sixth forward to score for Tipperary, the teams were tied at 0-08 each. Cork responded with a decisive 1-04 run in just four minutes. Tim O’Mahony first registered a point before assisting Connolly’s goal, which left Tipperary’s defense in disarray. Connolly’s goal was his first for Cork since scoring a hat-trick against Tipperary last May.
By the 27th minute, Cork had found their second goal, courtesy of Fitzgibbon, following a ruck after a long puck-out from Brian Hayes. The Rebels’ dominance continued when Twomey netted Cork’s third goal just before halftime, increasing their lead to a commanding 3-16 to 0-12. The crowd’s jubilation was evident as they entered the break.
The second half saw a much slower tempo, with Tipperary’s O’Farrell attempting a run at goal but being thwarted by Cork’s defense. Cork continued to control the game, with every one of their starting forwards and midfielders registering a score. Despite Tipperary outscoring Cork 0-11 to 0-08 in the second half, they could not recover from their first-half deficit.
Cork’s defense held firm, blocking several shots from Tipperary’s Craig Morgan and Forde. The final whistle confirmed Cork’s 3-24 to 0-17 victory, and while Tipperary showed some fight in the second half, the result was never in doubt.
With Cork’s first league title in two decades secured, the sides will meet again in the Munster Championship on April 27.
