Cork secured a momentous result in the Munster Senior Hurling Championship yesterday, producing a huge upset by beating All-Ireland Limerick after an absolute cracker at SuperValu Páirc Uí Chaoimh.
The home side entered the fixture under considerable pressure, having suffered defeats against both Waterford and Clare during their opening two games of the round robin. Many expected them to suffer a similar fate this time around against John Kiely's men.
However, Cork would produce a brilliant performance to overcome Limerick on the day, eventually running out as winners on a scoreline of 3-28 to 3-26.
READ HERE: John Kiely Annoyed With Officials Over Game Deciding Play
Cork's Patrick Horgan denied access to pitch before Limerick game
Patrick Horgan played a starring role in Cork's win yesterday, ending the game with a personal tally of 1-11. That included the all-important penalty in stoppage time, the score which would ultimately lead his side to victory.
While this would prove to be a memorable day for the Glen Rovers man, it did start off in a rather strange manner after he was denied access to the pitch at SuperValu Páirc Uí Chaoimh before the game.
Prior to the fixture, Horgan attempted to make his way out onto the playing surface. However, he was stopped from doing so by an official, with it being suggested that this was down to the fact that he was carrying a hurley at the time.
11 May 2024; Patrick Horgan of Cork is prevented from walking on the pitch, due to carrying a hurley, before the Munster GAA Hurling Senior Championship Round 3 match between Cork and Limerick at SuperValu Páirc Ui Chaoimh in Cork. Photo by Stephen McCarthy/Sportsfile
Balls contacted a spokesperson for the Munster Council for clarification on the incident, and it seems as though the issue may have also been one of timing.
Ahead of the game, the Munster Council would allocate a time when each team was allowed to use the pitch ahead of the game. It seems as though Patrick Horgan arrived before this allotted period, resulting in him being denied access.
This process is usually put in place when there is another fixture acting as a curtain-raiser on the day. Despite there being no other game at SuperValu Páirc Uí Chaoimh on this occasion, the timing was still strictly imposed. This is said to be done for health and safety reasons.
There was a performance from Irish folk group The High Kings on the pitch before the game, something that may have also contributed to the incident. Still, it was odd to see Cork's star man denied access to the grass ahead of such a pivotal fixture.
Thankfully for Patrick Horgan and Cork, this ultimately had no effect on the outcome of the game.
SEE ALSO: O'Dwyer Praises Patrick Horgan's Quick Thinking In Converting Decisive Cork Penalty
