- Cork Airport has transformed into a sea of red ahead of Sunday’s All-Ireland Hurling Final, with staff and passengers alike getting behind the Rebels as they chase their first Liam MacCarthy Cup in 20 years.
The excitement is palpable at Cork Airport as the countdown continues to Sunday’s historic All-Ireland Senior Hurling Championship Final between Cork and Tipperary at Croke Park. For the first time in the championship’s long history, these two Munster rivals will meet in the final, with throw-in at 3:30pm.
Airport staff have pulled out all the stops to show their support for Pat Ryan’s side, decorating the terminal building from end to end with red and white bunting and Cork flags. The exterior of the building has been bathed in red lighting, creating a striking sight for all who pass by.
Under the watchful gaze of the Christy Ring statue that stands proudly in the terminal forecourt, the airport’s Asset Care, Maintenance and Electrical teams have worked tirelessly to transform the building into a shrine to the Rebels’ cause. The atmosphere of anticipation has been building for weeks as Cork secured their place in a second consecutive final.
Niall MacCarthy, Managing Director at Cork Airport said:
“The excitement has been building for weeks at Cork Airport for Sunday’s All-Ireland final and under the watchful eye of Christy Ring, we look forward to welcoming Liam MacCarthy home to Cork soon. We send every good wish to the entire Cork hurling team on Sunday!”
For those travelling through the airport on Sunday, there will be no shortage of viewing opportunities. The CRAFT Bar & Restaurant will be showing the game live, whilst large television screens in both the Departures and Arrivals areas will also broadcast the match. This ensures that no one passing through Ireland’s fastest-growing airport will miss a moment of the action.
The final represents a golden opportunity for Cork to end their 20-year wait for All-Ireland glory, having last lifted the Liam MacCarthy Cup in 2005. Captain Robert Downey will lead the team as they seek their 31st All-Ireland title.
The two teams have already met three times this year, with Cork holding a 2-1 advantage. Cork won the National League final in April and defeated Tipperary in the Munster championship, though Tipperary claimed victory in their earlier league encounter.
This will be the sixth final to feature two Munster teams, adding extra spice to what promises to be a thrilling encounter. The last time these counties met in championship action at Croke Park was in 2014, when Tipperary emerged victorious in the All-Ireland semi-final.
As the county prepares for what could be a historic day, Cork Airport’s red transformation serves as a beacon of hope for supporters making their way to Dublin and a symbol of the widespread support for the Rebels across Leeside.