All Ireland preview: Micheál the best, Cork!

Long before he was a Cork city councillor, the lord mayor of Cork, a TD, a minister, or the Taoiseach of Ireland, Micheál Martin was a massive Cork GAA fan.

With so much riding on Sunday’s All-Ireland final clash with Tipperary, it’s safe to say he will be just another passionate supporter in the stands, as hoarse as the next fan from shouting, and as desperate to see the Liam MacCarthy Cup return to Cork for the first time in 20 long years.

Ahead of Sunday’s decider in Dublin, the diehard Cork GAA supporter has wished the Cork senior hurlers and management the very best of luck, describing the game as “a historic and fantastic occasion - the culmination of a wonderful season of hurling for Cork”.

He said: “Cork enjoys the greatest support of any county in Ireland. Huge numbers have attended all the games, with thousands more watching on TV or listening to the radio. There is a tremendous sense of excitement on Leeside.”

Mr Martin, who was the Minister for Enterprise, Trade and Employment the last time Cork won the hurling All-Ireland in 2005, said that above all, the supporters want the players to win Sunday’s match for themselves because they have put enormous effort in.

He continued: “The commitment of modern day intercounty players is quite extraordinary. I want to acknowledge the sacrifice that all of the players make, along with the sacrifices of their partners and families.

“I want to thank the entire Cork team and their outstanding manager Pat Ryan for their commitment, and I wish them the very best of luck ahead of Sunday’s game,” he concluded.