‘Seán is a great role model’

The Cork senior hurlers will have their work cut out on Sunday if they want to bring home the Liam MacCarthy Cup for the first time since 2005.

That’s according to Inniscarra GAA club secretary Jack O’Leary who said club and county captain Seán O'Donoghue is the right man to lead the Rebels to victory in Sunday’s All-Ireland Hurling final against Clare.

Mr O’Leary told the Cork Independent there is a huge sense of pride and excitement within Inniscarra GAA and the local community to see one of their own lead the team.

“Pride really is the big word,” he said.

“Seán is a great role model. He definitely sets the standard.

“We haven't won as much as we should have as a club over the years, but we've always been a big hurling area, known for hurling,” added Mr O’Leary.

Former club players for Inniscarra, Tomás Ryan and Pat McDonnell, won All-Ireland medals in the ‘70s, and now the club is eager to reignite that tradition.

Mr O’Leary continued: “I've always made the point that Cork hurling never went away, but it was just starved of success.

“Pat McDonnell and Thomas Ryan back in the ‘70s would have won All-Ireland medals, but to have a senior player as captain, in the unique year that it is – we thought we were finished with Clare beating us down the Páirc two and a half months ago, and all of a sudden to turn the whole thing around and the prospect of him (Seán) going up the Hogan's Stand is surreal, especially in the background of us winning our first county championship in 47 years back in 2022,” added Mr O’Leary.

Looking ahead to Sunday’s final, Mr O’Leary said it’s tough to separate the two teams, but that Cork’s forward line has what it takes to succeed.

“I genuinely think it's 50/50,” he said.

“I think the Cork forwards are good enough to edge it.

“Hopefully we'll finish it out. I'll go up Sunday morning and hopefully stay Sunday night with a few celebratory drinks!” he added.

O’Donoghue, Cork’s right corner-back became a father this week, welcoming a baby boy into the world with his fiancée Aoife.

O’Donoghue, 28, was named captain Cork Senior Hurling in 2022.

Meanwhile An Tánasite Micheál Martin said these hurlers have been delighting Cork crowds with their spirit.

“Their commitment has been extraordinary. They were resilient throughout the Munster championship, they have bounced back and have given us some fantastic days so far.”

Sunday’s clash throws in a 3.30pm and will be broadcast live on RTÉ2 and the RTÉ player.