By Cian O'Connell
"It has been sort of a rollercoaster in ways," Cork's Tim O'Mahony says about a dramatic 2024 Championship campaign.
Early losses to Waterford and Clare hurt Cork, who have subsequently responded reeling off victories over Limerick (twice), Tipperary, Offaly, and Dublin.
Sunday's compelling All-Ireland SHC Semi-Final against Limerick was the latest chapter in the Cork story. "The start of the year was not the way we wanted, but credit to people, they just put their shoulder to the wheel, and momentum is a massive thing," O'Mahony adds.
"When you've the Cork support behind you, they are unbelievable. Again, we are just delighted."
The connection between the Cork players and supporters is significant. "It is unbelievable, you see the scenes outside there, the supporters after the final whistle went, they went bananas," O'Mahony says.
Cork players Tim O'Mahony and Cormac O'Brien celebrate at Croke Park. Photo by Seb Daly/Sportsfile
"It is a brilliant day, we've had a couple of tough days up here, go back to 2021, it wasn't a nice day coming out of here. So, again it is just brilliant to get that day for the supporters. We will settle down now for two weeks time."
Limerick, who trailed by seven points in the second half, narrowed the gap in the closing stages, but Cork survived. "Limerick were never not going to comeback, unbelievable champions, they have shown that for the last number of years," O'Mahony says.
"Again, look unfortunately we've been on the wrong side of a lot of matches with them, so we are just thrilled to get over the line today."
Cork haven't won the Liam MacCarthy Cup since 2005, but return to an intriguing final against Clare. "It has been a long time, but again we are taking it day by day," O'Mahony says. "Every day we are going out, it is next game, next game, that is it, really.
"Obviously, there is only one game left, and you're just trying to put your best foot forward going into that. Fellas are looking forward to it."
