Clare's All-Ireland hurling final victory over Cork yesterday was a hugely dramatic occasion, right down to the final play of the game.
There was nothing to separate the teams over the 90-plus minutes of action at Croke Park, with the two sides going tit for tat throughout. It was always likely that the contest would be decided by the final puck of the afternoon, with the late wide from Cork's Robbie O'Flynn ensuring that the Liam MacCarthy would be returning to Clare.
Clare win their fifth All-Ireland hurling title with an epic 3-29 to 1-34 extra-time victory over Cork
One of the greatest games of all-time
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Of course, there was a hint of controversy surrounding that final phase of play.
Replays indicated that O'Flynn had his jersey pulled by a Clare defender, meaning that Cork should have been awarded a free-in. However, the officials seemed to miss the infringement.
RTÉ commentator Michael Duignan seemed unhappy with the refereeing error, although Donal Óg Cusack was rather more magnanimous about the decision in the studio.
READ HERE: "Very Few Things On A Hurling Field Happen By Accident" - The Sunday Game On McInerney Tackle
Clare Star Has No Regrets Over Controversial All-Ireland Final Tackle
While this was a refereeing error that had a bit part in the deciding the result of the game, the people of Clare won't lose much sleep over the incident. In fact, the man who pulled the Cork jersey has no regrets.
Speaking on RTÉ's Morning Ireland, Clare defender Conor Leen said he would do it all again if given the opportunity.
I most certainly did (pull the jersey) and I'd do it again anyway! As a back, you kind of play on the edge.
You get away with it sometimes, sometimes you don't, and I did yesterday and I'd do it every day if I could...
At the start of the year, all I was hoping to get was some league time. Honestly that was the plan from last year.
I just took the opportunity. Thanks to management for giving me those opportunities really. To have senior lads around me made it much easier as well. They’re able to teach me what to do – John Conlon in front of me, Conor Cleary beside me and Eibhear (Quilligan) in goal.
You certainly can't blame him.
Cork will be reflecting on the nature of this defeat for quite some time, but that final decision is likely to be quickly lost in among the Clare celebrations over the coming days.
SEE ALSO: TV Cameras Missed Extent Of Anthony Daly's Emotional Reaction To Clare Win
