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21st July 2025
04:11pm BST
Cork players, coaches and fans are still reeling from their shocking defeat by Tipperary in Sunday's thrilling All-Ireland SHC final at Croke Park, but they have some reason to be hopeful for 2026.
Despite losing two All-Ireland finals on the trot, and not winning the Liam MacCarthy since 2005 with six defeats at the final stage in that time, Cork are still favourites for next year's title.
They are 9/4 with Boylesports to take the crown next summer, while this year's winners Tipperary are third favourites at 9/2. Limerick slot in between them as second favourites at 5/2.
Kilkenny, with 36 titles to their name, are next at 11/2, while the bookies see Clare and Galway as slight outsiders, both at 8/1. Dublin (25/1) and Waterford (25/1) are seen as rank outsiders.
Cork have cancelled their homecoming following their All-Ireland SHC final defeat by Tipperary at the request of players and staff.
It was a relatively big ask for players, coaches and fans alike to put on a brave face following the second-half collapse at Croke Park on Sunday, and even the most loyal of Cork’s following might be relieved by the decision.
They said on Monday: “At the request of the team and management, there is no event planned for the return of the Cork hurlers this evening. They would again like to thank all the entire county for their unwavering support throughout the year.”
Homecomings for defeated All-Ireland finalists are relatively common, with the 2024 defeated hurlers greeted to a homecoming at Páirc Uí Chaoimh last summer.
The match itself was a thriller, with Tipperary fighting back from six points down at half-time to win 3-27 to 1-18, restricting Cork to just two points in the second period.
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