Hurling took centre stage on Sunday afternoon in Ireland, in England and all over the world and anybody who tuned in was enthralled by an All-Ireland final that will be remembered as one of the greatest ever.
Clare were eventually victorious after extra-time on a final scoreline of 3-29 to 1-34 with captain Tony Kelly inspiring them to a famous victory.
The game was broadcast live on BBC2 for the first time ever ensuring record breaking viewership, bringing the game to those who have never seen it before.
Maybe at times we’re guilty of taking it for granted given our familiarity with the skills, the pulls, the touches, the shots, the bravery, the hits – we could go on and on – but first-time viewers reminded us of how special the great game is on Sunday afternoon, having watched Clare and Cork go hammer and tongs for an hour and a half.
One of them described it brilliantly as “two teams of Roy Keanes, but they all have a large weapon in their hands.”
They watched on in Wales, in England, in Scotland and further afield and they were amazed by the skill, enchanted by the excitement.
“BBC 2 is showing hurling and I don’t think I’ve ever been so invested in a game I know nothing about,” wrote a Welshman on Twitter.
This captured the general view fairly accurately.
“Hurling appears to be a mix of UFC, rugby, hockey, football, baseball, the egg and spoon race all whilst hitting a snooker ball as hard as you can as high into the sky as possible towards goal with what looks like the bones of a tomahawk steak. 10/10. Would recommend.”
Can we argue with any of that?
Sarah Mulkerrins presented the BBC’s coverage and she began the afternoon by welcoming lifelong followers and first time viewers alike.
“You are very welcome whether you’re a lifelong fan or whether you’re new to this glorious sport,” said the Galway woman.
“It’s the total embodiment of Ireland as a cultural showpiece,” added former Antrim hurler Neil McManus as he explained the game to the newcomers.
The audience were in for a treat.
At half-time, not long after the show-stopping goal from Robert Downey, actor James Nesbitt said he’d been to stadiums all over the world but that this was something different. This was Nesbitt’s first ever All-Ireland hurling final and he was blown away.
“If you look at the colours, it’s just incredible. I’ve been to the San Siro, I’ve been to the Nou Camp, but the atmosphere is incredible. Everyone is integrated, but there’s no let-up at all,” he said.
Comedian Dara O’Briain was similarly enthused, though he’s been a hurling follower for years.
“Are you not entertained” he said.
“This is what it is. Lots of scores.
“You see the momentum shifting and the crowd shifting. This is the pre-amble, because in the last ten minutes it’s going to get even more intense,” added the Wicklow man.
O’Briain’s prediction was spot on with the atmosphere reaching thrilling levels in the closing stages of the game. Eventually it went to extra-time, bringing more entertainment to the masses who marvelled at late scores from Kelly and co.
“I’m exhausted just watching it” summed up the outlook on Twitter.
That was the general take all over.
It was a phenomenal All-Ireland hurling final and one that presented the game of hurling at its very best. New followers have been drawn to the game and it really reminds us how lucky we are to call it our own.