Shane Kingston of Cork is calling on GAA clubs across the country to take part in the ‘eir for all’ Poc Tapa Challenge to be in with a chance to win up to €5,000 for their club and the chance to play on the hallowed turf of Croke Park on All Ireland Semi-Final Day. The Poc Tapa Challenge, designed to inspire GAA clubs across Ireland to demonstrate that the fastest wins in both hurling and the provision of superfast broadband, is open for entries until Tuesday, 2nd July at 11pm. eir has been a proud partner of the GAA since 2011 and is in the second of its five-year official sponsorship of the GAA All-Ireland Senior Hurling Championship. Photo by Ramsey Cardy/Sportsfile
By Cian O’Connell
Shane Kingston knows all about the importance of responding to setbacks in sport.
So, when Cork’s Championship need was greatest against Limerick at SuperValu Páirc Uí Chaoimh, the red and white team found a way. Returning from injury, Kingston contributed handsomely in the closing stages of a gripping game.
Momentum has been generated by Cork, who head for Croke Park heartened on Sunday for another intriguing clash with Limerick.
“Definitely, the first two games didn't really go our way, we built a bit of momentum then from the Limerick to the Tipp game,” Kingston says.
“We were lucky enough to qualify then, maybe a bit of luck finally. Obviously, the last two games were two good wins, probably weren't our strongest performances, but any day you get a win is a good day.”
A meaningful connection with Cork supporters matters deeply too. “It is one thing that we always get - is good support from the Cork public,” Kingston replies.
“The Limerick game, people probably wrote us off going into that game, but it was still a full house. That goes a long way coming down the stretch, it is brilliant to have such good support from the Cork people.”
Losses to Waterford and Clare hurt Cork, but they have thundered back into the reckoning, illustrating that things can change quickly in the Championship. “If you look at the round robin format, it proved last year and this year too, that every score counts, every game counts,” Kingston remarks.
Cork's Shane Kingston in All-Ireland SHC Quarter-Final action against Dublin at FBD Semple Stadium. Photo by John Sheridan/Sportsfile
“So, it is obviously brilliant for the spectator. It is very important to keep going, even if you think things aren't looking too positive, losing two games you probably think you're nearly out.
“Thankfully things changed. We were in a similar position in 2022, we lost the first two games and we turned things around, which is great.”
Matches have arrived thick and fast with Kingston relishing that element. “This is why we are playing, you want to be playing games all of the time,” Kingston says.
“It is great, play a game, hopefully get a result, and then put the focus on to the next game straight away after that.”
A match with Limerick at GAA headquarters beckons and Kingston is ready, willing, and able to occupy whatever role Pat Ryan and his management team decide. "I suppose this year is a bit different coming back from injury,” Kingston adds.
“I missed my first championship game ever against Waterford and I was devastated to not be playing. Being back involved then, you're just happy to be playing a part.
“Any given day you put on the Cork jersey and get a chance to represent your friends, family and county is a good day.
"Whether that be coming on or starting, you just want to do your best for yourself and for the group."
