Stakes are high for both teams at the All-Ireland Senior Hurling – although Cork in particular is hoping to “end a famine” of losses. 

Cork and Clare will square off at Croke Park at 3.30pm today in the first final not including Limerick since 2019. 

With the Goliath of Limerick conquered, both teams are well aware of what it could mean to win the final today. 

Off the Ball’s Tommy Rooney said Clare and Cork each have unique motivation in today’s final. 

“Clare people are insane about their hurling, their Gaelic football, their GAA,” he told The Anton Savage Show. 

“They're just looking to win their fifth ever [Championship title]. 

“But Cork – they are looking to end a famine that’s been 19 years long and they’re hoping to win their 31st.” 

Cork vs Clare Munster Senior Hurling Championship, April 2024. Image: David Ribeiro / Alamy Stock Photo

Clare and Cork have faced off before on the hurling pitch – in 2013, the two teams fought in the replay final, resulting in a two-goal win for Clare. 

Tommy noted neither Clare nor Cork were expected to be in the final in 2013 and they “served up two incredible occasions”. 

“Shane O'Donnell, 19 years old at the time, one of the most interesting GAA players that we've ever had – he got a hat trick that day at 19 years old,” he said. 

“He's playing again today, a really interesting character.” 

Cork vs Clare rivalry

The rivalry between Cork and Clare dates back to the 1920s, with the two teams competing against each other in the Munster Senior Hurling Championship. 

All the way back in 1930, Clare handed Cork its first defeat in 16 years in the All-Ireland Championship.  

The defeat wasn’t easily forgotten, and the two teams have had intense eras of rivalry over the decades. 

While Cork dominates the world of hurling, Clare has developed a knack for sweeping a victory under the Rebel County when they least expect it.

The Banner County defeated Cork when they last met at the Munster Senior Hurling Championships by two points.

On the eve of the big one, a memory from @GaaClare ‘s win in 2013: Darach Honan, and Shane O Donnell, who replaced him on the day and scored 3-3, share a quiet moment after the game” Honan also scored Clare’s fifth goal on the day after later coming on. @ClareChampion #gaa pic.twitter.com/bMd01zxXYY

— John Kelly (@jkphoto68) July 20, 2024

Today, Tommy said, the atmosphere around Croke Park isn’t bitter, however. 

“The search for tickets – it's been Taylor Swift-esque over the last couple of weeks,” he said. 

“Croke Park is going to be alive with colour and noise or electricity – it's going to be red, yellow, blue. 

“It’s one of those experiences where the hairs are up in the back of your neck.” 

Cork is the favourite to lift the cup today, but Clare has proven that they can always shock a crowd.