Aisling O'Reilly on All-Ireland hurling final magic and what it will be like to cover Cork v Tipp

Sports Broadcaster and TV Presenter Aisling O’Reilly believes Cork supporters have a vital role to play in Sunday’s All-Ireland senior hurling final at Croke Park.

New RTÉ Kids Saturday morning football programme Total Football co-presenter Aisling O’Reilly has witnessed the positive effect Rebel supporters have had during a wide-ranging media career.

O’Reilly built a national profile from her time working as a sports reporter on Newstalk’s Off The Ball sports radio show during a successful three-year spell.

Moving to the GAA Plus digital platform, the Meath native has spent the past year presenting some of the biggest football and hurling matches at various venues across the four provinces.

Cork manager John Cleary is interviewed by Aisling O'Reilly. Picture: Tom Beary/Sportsfile

Yet, in all her years covering GAA, O’Reilly has nothing but praise for Cork’s supporters and the way they get behind their county.

“Cork always bring a brilliant crowd and you knew when they are in a semi-final or finals, there is definitely a different buzz about the place,” O’Reilly said.

“I would always say that Cork are loyal fans, and loud, very loud!

The Rebels always create a brilliant atmosphere which is great because that is what the GAA is all about.

“From my time involved with the media, when it comes to the big matches, certain counties create a cracking atmosphere before a ball is thrown in and for most of the match as well, no matter how things are going.

“Cork are definitely one of those. They bring the noise and colour and always in great numbers. Just look at the number of sell-outs they are responsible for this year alone.

“Cork fans are loyal. They love their football and hurling. They always travel in numbers and you don’t always get that with other Munster counties (laughs).

“Also, I would say Armagh, they are very good at creating an atmosphere as well. Mayo’s fans can be quite loud too. Meath are quite prominent when it comes to crowds and generating an atmosphere of late.”

O’Reilly will be one of the many media personnel working in Croke Park next Sunday, eager to sample the atmosphere of a first All-Ireland hurling final clash between Cork and Tipperary.

MAGIC

Of all the big matches the GAA Plus presenter has covered this year, and in previous years whilst working for Off The Ball, nothing compares to the magic of the most important date in hurling’s calendar.

“I grew up dreaming of getting to Croke Park on All-Ireland final day,” O’Reilly added.

“I have been very lucky to experience a good few finals thanks to my media work. “Unfortunately, Meath weren’t involved in too many apart from winning in 1996 and 1999. I didn’t go to those as I was only a child at the time and only got to see those teams heading off on the bus and then coming home.

“Obviously, Meath’s senior ladies got to Croke Park in 2021 and 2022. I got to witness them winning those All-Irelands alright as I was working for both finals and that was great.” Next Sunday will be a long one for Aisling O’Reilly and all other the media personnel who will be in Croke Park four or five hours before throw-in and won’t leave until later that evening.

Despite the stress, being so close to the action and getting to experience such a unique atmosphere makes it all worthwhile.

“Getting to work in the media on All-Ireland final day is just magic,” the Meath native added.

“It is difficult to describe the feeling of being in Croke Park along with over 82,000 fans packed in together.

“Everything is on the line. Everyone is there for the love of the game. The colour, the noise, the atmosphere. It is obviously something uniquely Irish and so, so special. Not many other countries have this experience.

If you are lucky enough to be part of it, you never forget the occasion.

“Last year, I managed to get tickets for my Dad and my brother. They found the whole experience brilliant and, again, something they will never forget.

HECTIC

“Attending an All-Ireland final is a bucket list item to cross off, isn’t it? I hope the Cork and Tipperary fans enjoy it as much as those of us who will be working there. That’s what the GAA is all about.

“It can be hectic working in the media and the pressure is really on come All-Ireland final day. At the same time, you have to take it all in and embrace the day because it is just magical.”

Click here to read article