A Munster final with a twist

The Cork hurlers have suffered defeat in the Munster Hurling Final. Yes, you read that right!

With all on-field activity suspended during the Covid-19 pandemic, the bank-holiday weekend saw 32 intercounty GAA players represent their county in an online charity tournament. Cork hurler Sean O’Donoghue was representing the Rebels in the FIFA20 challenge with funds raised going to HSE and NHS workers across Ireland.

Throughout the tournament, fans saw GAA rivalries come to the fore with Cork defeating Kerry in the Munster semi-final and Donegal beating Tyrone in the first round. The provincial final saw Waterford’s Aaron Jones convincingly defeat O’Donoghue to claim the Munster title. In the west, Sligo’s Niall Feehily just beat Roscommon’s Donie Smith in a 4-3 defeat to become the Connacht champion while Donegal narrowly lost out in the Ulster final with Oisin Gallen losing 2-1 to Antrim’s Patrick McBride.

Laois’s Eric Kileen took home the Leinster title against Meath’s Jordan Morris.

The semi-finals saw Laois sail through to the final with a 6-2 defeat of Sligo but it went down to the wire between Waterford and Antrim, Aaron Jones winning by one goal in the end.

Laois’ Eric Kileen beat Waterford’s Aaron Jones 5-4 in the All-Ireland final which was commentated on live by Marty Morrissey.

The FIFA20 All-Ireland Charity tournament, organised by the GPA and Joanne O’Riorda and supported by Trust Gaming, was broadcast on Insomnia Dublin Gaming Festival’s Facebook page, with supporters donating over €5,000 via the event’s Go Fund Me page with donations still being accepted at gofundme.com/f/zqvjmp-FIFA.