One of the greatest ever All-Ireland SHC deciders eventually concluded with Clare captain Tony Kelly climbing the Hogan Stand steps to collect the Liam MacCarthy Cup.
In a final that will be remembered for years to come, extra-time was required to separate Clare and Cork after a titanic tussle in Croke Park on Sunday, with Clare eventually coming out on top by 3-29 to 1-34.
It was the first drawn hurling final since 2014 and the first time an All-Ireland hurling final had gone to extra time.
Clare's centre-back John Conlon played a key role in securing the Banner's first title since 2013. The leadership shown by the Clonlara man throughout was crucial in getting Clare across the line.
Speaking on Ireland AM on Monday morning, the 35-year-old revealed how he was sure after full-time that a replay was on the cards only to be corrected that the match was going to extra-time:
I think it was kind of a shock to everyone because I'd actually shaken hands with two or three Cork lads and we thought it was a replay but we didn't realise it was going to extra-time
"You didn't know that it was going to extra time either?" 🤯
Clare hurler John Conlon reveals that players had shaken hands at full-time yesterday assuming there would be a replay of the All-Ireland Final 😲 pic.twitter.com/212jv4cWVq— Ireland AM (@IrelandAMVMTV) July 22, 2024
Conlon wasn't the only one that thought they would have to do battle again:
Myself and Patrick Horgan were shaking hands and then all of a sudden the ref passed us and said it's going to extra-time.
We were like okay, good luck!
It seemed the players weren't the only ones confused as there were reports of several supporters getting up and leaving their seats at fulltime only to be called back in.
RTÉ pundits also aired their frustration at the use of extra-time after such an epic battle, speaking after the end of normal time, the trio of Liam Sheedy, Anthony Daly, and Donal Óg Cusack all agreed that a replay was the fairest outcome for all involved at the end of the 70 minutes.
It's fair to say that not many hurling fans would have complained about seeing another game between these two sides in a couple of weeks time.
SEE ALSO: TV Cameras Missed Extent Of Anthony Daly's Emotional Reaction To Clare Win
Story of Clare v Cork
A compelling contest, that raged with intensity from first whistle until last. There was a blistering start for Cork as they flew out of the traps and began to gain a lead on their Munster rivals. Inside 15 minutes the rebels had struck nine shots and they led 1-8 to 0-4.
Clare’s mission to get back into the match was boosted by a 17th minute Aidan McCarthy goal after excellent work by Shane O’Donnell. The deficit was then trimmed to the minimum 1-8 to 1-7 in the 22nd minute.
Patrick Horgan then notched a couple of frees to extend the lead but Clare responded again to level 1-12 each at the interval.
After the restart it remained keenly contested and thrilling. Mark Rodgers’ had Clare in the lead after an excellently taken 40th minute goal but Cork were back on level terms with well taken points.
But it was time for Clare's captain Tony Kelly to take centre stage, a brilliant solo goal that showed the power and skill that the Ballyea man has in abundance lit up Croke Park.
Tony Kelly the magician. 🧙♂️
GOAL #3⃣ for @GaaClare #GAANOW pic.twitter.com/sEOEd8PF4y— The GAA (@officialgaa) July 21, 2024
Four of the next five points were scored by Cork to trim the deficit again, the teams could not be separated after 70 minutes meaning extra-time was necessary, much to the surprise of a number of players.
A packed Croke Park crowd were compelled by the action that was unfolding and an extra 20 minutes of drama was welcomed by the majority.
The opening half of extra-time provided no answers as to who would be taking Liam McCarthy home as the teams remained level. The second half however, might well go down as the most dramatic in the history of the famous game.
Clare had raced into a four point lead and looked like the result was secure until Patrick Horgan cut the deficit to two with a pair of frees. Time was almost up but a late Cork point meant a last gasp chance for Cork to force a replay was a possibility.
A free from Cork goalkeeper Patrick Collins dropped into the danger area and was plucked from the sky by substitute Robbie O’Flynn, he turned to shoot but his shot flew wide of the posts. A devastating end to a pulsating 90 minutes.
If ever there was a game when neither side deserved to lose, this was it.
