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The Cork-Kilkenny rivalry is a
hurling Hurling ( ga, iománaíocht, ') is an outdoor team game of ancient Gaelic Irish origin, played by men. One of Ireland's native Gaelic games, it shares a number of features with Gaelic football, such as the field and goals, the number of p ...
rivalry between
Irish Irish may refer to: Common meanings * Someone or something of, from, or related to: ** Ireland, an island situated off the north-western coast of continental Europe ***Éire, Irish language name for the isle ** Northern Ireland, a constituent unit ...
county teams
Cork Cork or CORK may refer to: Materials * Cork (material), an impermeable buoyant plant product ** Cork (plug), a cylindrical or conical object used to seal a container ***Wine cork Places Ireland * Cork (city) ** Metropolitan Cork, also known as G ...
and
Kilkenny Kilkenny (). is a city in County Kilkenny, Ireland. It is located in the South-East Region and in the province of Leinster. It is built on both banks of the River Nore. The 2016 census gave the total population of Kilkenny as 26,512. Kilken ...
, who first played each other in
1894 Events January–March * January 4 – A military alliance is established between the French Third Republic and the Russian Empire. * January 7 – William Kennedy Dickson receives a patent for motion picture film in the United S ...
. It is considered to be one of the biggest rivalries in
Gaelic games Gaelic games ( ga, Cluichí Gaelacha) are a set of sports played worldwide, though they are particularly popular in Ireland, where they originated. They include Gaelic football, hurling, Gaelic handball and rounders. Football and hurling, the ...
. Kilkenny's home ground is
Nowlan Park UPMC Nowlan Park (; ) is the principal Gaelic Athletic Association stadium in Kilkenny, Ireland. Named after James Nowlan (the longest serving President of the GAA), the stadium hosts major hurling matches and is home to the Kilkenny hurling te ...
and Cork's home ground is
Páirc Uí Chaoimh Páirc Uí Chaoimh ( ) is a Gaelic games stadium in Cork (city), Cork, Republic of Ireland, Ireland. It is the home of Cork GAA. The venue, often referred to simply as The Park, is located in Ballintemple, Cork, Ballintemple and is built near to ...
, however, all of their championship meetings have been held at neutral venues, usually
Croke Park Croke Park ( ga, Páirc an Chrócaigh, ) is a Gaelic games stadium in Dublin, Ireland. Named after Archbishop Thomas Croke, it is referred to as Croker by GAA fans and locals. It serves as both the principal national stadium of Ireland and he ...
. While Cork have the highest number of
Munster Munster ( gle, an Mhumhain or ) is one of the provinces of Ireland, in the south of Ireland. In early Ireland, the Kingdom of Munster was one of the kingdoms of Gaelic Ireland ruled by a "king of over-kings" ( ga, rí ruirech). Following the ...
titles and Kilkenny are the standard bearers in
Leinster Leinster ( ; ga, Laighin or ) is one of the provinces of Ireland, situated in the southeast and east of Ireland. The province comprises the ancient Kingdoms of Meath, Leinster and Osraige. Following the 12th-century Norman invasion of Ir ...
, they are also two of the most successful teams in the
All-Ireland Senior Hurling Championship The GAA Hurling All-Ireland Senior Championship, known simply as the All-Ireland Championship, is an annual inter-county hurling competition organised by the Gaelic Athletic Association (GAA). It is the highest inter-county hurling competition i ...
, having won 66 championship titles between them to date. As of 2021 the sides have met 29 times in the hurling championship including meeting 24 times at the All Ireland final stage, more than any other All Ireland hurling final fixture, (Kilkenny have won 13 of these finals compared to Cork’s 9 final wins with 2 draw’s). Regarded as two of hurling's " big three", with
Tipperary Tipperary is the name of: Places *County Tipperary, a county in Ireland **North Tipperary, a former administrative county based in Nenagh **South Tipperary, a former administrative county based in Clonmel *Tipperary (town), County Tipperary's na ...
making up the trio, an All-Ireland final between Cork and Kilkenny is regarded as a special occasion.


History


1893: Beginnings

An inauspicious start to one of the greatest rivalries on 24 June 1894. Cork won on probably the most unsuitable playing surface in hurling history after somebody neglected to get the grass cut at the original venue in Ashtown. The goalposts were uprooted and spectators and players alike moved to the Phoenix Park after a long delay. Cork, represented by
Blackrock BlackRock, Inc. is an American Multinational corporation, multi-national investment company based in New York City. Founded in 1988, initially as a Enterprise risk management, risk management and fixed income institutional asset manager, BlackR ...
, gave an exhibition of hurling and led by 3-4 to 0-1 at the interval. Each side made exactly the same return in the second half to give Cork the victory.


1903-1912: Kilkenny's first great era

On 16 July 1905, Cork played Kilkenny in the delayed 1903 All-Ireland home final. The Cats were completely overwhelmed as Cork powered to an 8-9 to 0-8 victory. The delayed 1904 All-Ireland final, played on 24 June 1906, pitted three-in-a-row hopefuls Cork against Kilkenny. After losing four previous finals Kilkenny finally triumphed. Dick Doyle's first-half goal set the Cats on their way, while a last-minute miracle save by 'keeper Pat "Fox" Maher secured a narrow 1-9 to 1-8 victory. Cork's 5-10 to 3-13 defeat of Kilkenny in the delayed 1905 All-Ireland final, played on 14 April 1907, was declared null and void as Cork goalkeeper Daniel McCarthy was a
British Army The British Army is the principal land warfare force of the United Kingdom, a part of the British Armed Forces along with the Royal Navy and the Royal Air Force. , the British Army comprises 79,380 regular full-time personnel, 4,090 Gurk ...
reservist, while Kilkenny's
Matt Gargan Matthew Gargan (30 September 1885 – 10 March 1949) was an Irish hurler who played as a midfielder for the Kilkenny and Waterford senior teams. Gargan made his first appearance for the Kilkenny team during the 1905 championship and was a re ...
had played with
Waterford "Waterford remains the untaken city" , mapsize = 220px , pushpin_map = Ireland#Europe , pushpin_map_caption = Location within Ireland##Location within Europe , pushpin_relief = 1 , coordinates ...
in earlier rounds of the championship. The replay on 30 June 1907 saw Kilkenny's Jimmy Kelly score a record-equalling 5-2. Kilkenny scored their seven goals in a thirty-minute spell. A puck-out by Cork goalkeeper
Jamesy Kelleher Jamesy Kelleher (31 March 1878 – 10 January 1943) was an Irish hurler who played as a full-back for the Cork senior team. Born in Dungourney, County Cork, Kelleher first arrived on the inter-county scene at the age of twenty-three when he fi ...
is said to have bounced and hopped over the Kilkenny crossbar for a point. Kilkenny powered to a 7-7 to 2-9 victory. The delayed All-Ireland final on 21 June 1908 saw Cork face Kilkenny at
Fraher Field Fraher Field ( ga, Páirc Uí Fhearachair) is a GAA stadium, located in Dungarvan, County Waterford, owned by the Waterford GAA County Board. It has a total capacity of around 15,000. History Dan Fraher (1852–1929), an Irish language activist ...
. Jimmy Kelly got the first of his hat-trick of goals within seconds of the start. The game looked to be heading for a replay when
Jack Anthony Jack Anthony may refer to: *Jack Anthony (hurler) (1886–1964), Kilkenny sportsperson *Jack Anthony (jockey) (1890–1954), Welsh champion jockey * Jack Anthony (musician) (born 1982), American singer-songwriter, composer and musician *Jack Anthon ...
scored the winning point. The Cats survived two Cork goal hunts in the dying minutes and claimed a narrow 3-12 to 4-8 victory. Gate receipts were a record £589 at
Croke Park Croke Park ( ga, Páirc an Chrócaigh, ) is a Gaelic games stadium in Dublin, Ireland. Named after Archbishop Thomas Croke, it is referred to as Croker by GAA fans and locals. It serves as both the principal national stadium of Ireland and he ...
for the All-Ireland meeting of Cork and Kilkenny on 17 November 1912. Kilkenny's ability to score goals proved decisive as they recorded another one-point defeat of Cork.
Sim Walton Simon F. "Sim" Walton (4 October 1880 – 27 December 1966) was an Irish hurler who played as a full-forward at senior level for the Kilkenny county team. Born in Tullaroan, County Kilkenny, Walton first arrived on the inter-county scene at t ...
pulled on a long, dropping ball from Jimmy Kelly for Kilkenny's first goal. A long Matt Gargan ball dropped past the Cork 'keeper and stopped just an inch over the line for their second. A 2-1 to 1-3 score line gave Kilkenny their sixth All-Ireland title in nine years.


1926: A lone meeting after a fourteen-year absence

On 24 October 1926 Cork and Kilkenny did battle on a snow-covered Croke Park. Three Meagher brothers -
Lory Loriini is a tribe of small to medium-sized arboreal parrots characterized by their specialized brush-tipped tongues for feeding on nectar of various blossoms and soft fruits, preferably berries. The species form a monophyletic group within the ...
,
Willie Willy or Willie is a masculine, male given name, often a diminutive form of William or Wilhelm, and occasionally a nickname. It may refer to: People Given name or nickname * Willie Aames (born 1960), American actor, television director, and scree ...
and
Henry Henry may refer to: People *Henry (given name) *Henry (surname) * Henry Lau, Canadian singer and musician who performs under the mononym Henry Royalty * Portuguese royalty ** King-Cardinal Henry, King of Portugal ** Henry, Count of Portugal, ...
- bolstered the Kilkenny team. Paddy "Balty" Ahern led the Cork attack as the Rebels had the narrowest of leads at the interval. Kilkenny slumped in the second half, going down to a 4-6 to 2-0 defeat. It was the first of thirteen All-Ireland victories for legendary Cork trained Jim "Tough" Barry.


1931: Three All-Ireland finals

On 6 September 1931 Cork and Kilkenny faced each other in the All-Ireland decider. The first half was closely contested, with a goal from
Mick Ahern Michael John "Gah" Ahern (22 May 1905 – 30 December 1946) was an Irish hurler who played as a full-forward for the Cork senior team. Born in Ballintemple, Cork, Ahern first played competitive hurling during his schooling at Crab Lane Nat ...
helping Cork to a half-time lead of 1-3 to 0-2. Cork stretched the advantage to six points in the second half, but Kilkenny came storming back with a goal and then four points on the trot to take the lead by one point. In the dying moments Cork captain
Eudie Coughlan Eugene "Eudie" Coughlan (26 August 1900 – 4 January 1987) was an Irish hurler. His league and championship career with the Cork senior team spanned thirteen seasons from 1919 until 1931. Born in Cork, Coughlan was raised in a strong hurling ...
got possession and made his way towards the goal. As he did so he slipped and fell but struck the sliotar while he was down on his knees, and it went over the bar to level the scores at 1-6 apiece and force a replay. The replay took place a month later on 11 October 1931 and is regarded as a classic for its swinging fortunes. Cork once again had a four-point lead at the interval, however, Kilkenny again fought back in the second half. Lory Meagher sent over a 90-yard free to level the game at 2-5 apiece and again force a replay. After the game officials pressed for extra time, however, Cork captain Coughlan rejected this as a younger Kilkenny team would have the upper hand on an aging Cork team. It was also suggested at a meeting of the
Central Council Central is an adjective usually referring to being in the center of some place or (mathematical) object. Central may also refer to: Directions and generalised locations * Central Africa, a region in the centre of Africa continent, also known as ...
that both counties be declared joint champions and that half an All-Ireland medal by given to each player. This motion was later defeated. Once again Cork and Kilkenny assembled at Croke Park on 1 November 1931 for the third installment of the All-Ireland final. Kilkenny captain Lory Meagher was ruled out of the game because of broken ribs sustained in the first replay and watched the game wearing his overcoat on the sideline. Such was the esteem in which he was held the game was virtually conceded to Cork since the star captain couldn't play. In spite of fielding a younger team, Kilkenny were defeated by Cork on a score line of 5-8 to 3-4. It was the first occasion when the GAA realised the lucrative nature of replays. Central Council reported earnings of £8000 from the gate at the three games.


1939-1947: Two iconic All-Ireland meetings

On the same day that
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and
France France (), officially the French Republic ( ), is a country primarily located in Western Europe. It also comprises of Overseas France, overseas regions and territories in the Americas and the Atlantic Ocean, Atlantic, Pacific Ocean, Pac ...
declared war on
Germany Germany,, officially the Federal Republic of Germany, is a country in Central Europe. It is the second most populous country in Europe after Russia, and the most populous member state of the European Union. Germany is situated betwe ...
, the All-Ireland final between Cork and Kilkenny entered the realms of folklore as the famous "thunder and lightning final", so called because the climax of the game was played in a fierce thunderstorm. A then record crowd of 39,000 for a Cork-Kilkenny game saw both sides remain level for much of the game. Kilkenny pulled forward by three points at one stage, however, Willie Campbell landed a long-range free in the net for a dramatic equalising goal for Cork. While it looked as if the game was heading for a replay Kilkenny's
Terry Leahy Sir Terence Patrick "Terry" Leahy (born 28 February 1956) is a British businessman, previously the CEO of Tesco, the largest British retailer and the third-largest retailer in the world measured by revenues. He now lives in Cuffley, Hertfordsh ...
whipped over the winning point after he connected with a
Paddy Phelan Patrick Phelan (16 September 1910 – 7 December 1971) was an Irish hurler who played as a left wing-back for the Kilkenny senior team. Born in Freshford, County Kilkenny, Phelan arrived on the inter-county scene at the age of twenty-one whe ...
70-yards free. With that the long whistle sounded and Kilkenny were the champions by 2-7 to 3-3. After a seven-year absence, Cork and Kilkenny renewed their rivalry in the All-Ireland decider on 1 September 1946. Cork were aiming for a fifth All-Ireland title within six years, while Kilkenny were All-Ireland runners-up to
Tipperary Tipperary is the name of: Places *County Tipperary, a county in Ireland **North Tipperary, a former administrative county based in Nenagh **South Tipperary, a former administrative county based in Clonmel *Tipperary (town), County Tipperary's na ...
the previous year. While some had written off Cork's chances, they took an interval lead of four points. With ten minutes remaining Cork's lead was reduced to just two points, however, goals by
Mossy O'Riordan Maurice Francis "Mossy" O'Riordan (1926 - 27 August 2008) was an Irish hurler who played as a right corner-forward for the Cork senior team. Born in Blackrock, County Cork, O'Riordan first played with the Cork senior team at the age of twenty ...
and Joe Kelly secured the 7-6 to 3-8 victory. Regarded by many oldtimers as the greatest All-Ireland final of them all, there was much at stake when Cork and Kilkenny met each other on 7 September 1947. After losing back-to-back championship deciders in 1945 and 1946, Kilkenny faced the unpalatable prospect of becoming the first team in championship history to lose three-in-a-row. Cork, on the other hand, were hoping to capture an unprecedented sixth All-Ireland title in seven years. Like many of their previous contests there was little to separate these two sides. Kilkenny took a narrow 0-7 to 0-5 lead at the interval, however, the game was far from over.
Mossy O'Riordan Maurice Francis "Mossy" O'Riordan (1926 - 27 August 2008) was an Irish hurler who played as a right corner-forward for the Cork senior team. Born in Blackrock, County Cork, O'Riordan first played with the Cork senior team at the age of twenty ...
and Joe Kelly got Cork back into the game with two second-half goals, however, Kilkenny's
Jim Langton James Langton (18 January 1918 – 18 April 1987) was an Irish hurler who usually played as a left wing-forward for the Kilkenny senior team. Born in Gowran, County Kilkenny, Phelan first played competitive hurling whilst at school in Kilke ...
and
Terry Leahy Sir Terence Patrick "Terry" Leahy (born 28 February 1956) is a British businessman, previously the CEO of Tesco, the largest British retailer and the third-largest retailer in the world measured by revenues. He now lives in Cuffley, Hertfordsh ...
were the key players with tallies of 0-3 and 0-6 respectively. As the game headed towards a replay it was Leahy who chipped over the winning point. It was the first time since 1893 that Kilkenny failed to score a goal against Cork.


1966-1972: Renewed rivalry

After an absence of nineteen years, Cork and Kilkenny faced each other in the All-Ireland final on 4 September 1966. Cork, seeking a first title in twelve years, laid the foundations for this victory with a solid first-half performance as having played into the win they trailed by 0-7 to 1-2. Not long after the restart Cork went ahead with
Colm Sheehan Colm Sheehan (born 9 September 1941) was an Irish hurler. He played for club side Éire Óg, divisional side Muskerry and was the full-forward on the Cork senior hurling team that won the 1966 All-Ireland Championship. Sheehan's club caree ...
scoring a hat-trick of goals. A 3-9 to 1-10 gave Cork the title in front of a then record of 68,249 spectators. The respective All-Ireland champions of 1966 and 1967 faced each other in the last sixty-minute All-Ireland final on 7 September 1969. Cork had the better of the opening half and had a three-point lead at the break. The third quarter saw Kilkenny with the edge and on two occasions the sides could not be separated. Cork faded completely in the final quarter allowing Kilkenny to ease to a 2-15 to 2-9 victory. Regarded as one of the classic games of the modern era, the All-Ireland final on 3 September 1972 was the only eighty-minute championship decider between Cork and Kilkenny. In a game that produced a plethora of scores, Cork's ability to find the net gave them a 2-8 to 0-12 lead at the interval. Halfway through the second-half Cork were on form and stretched their lead to eight points. Drastic action was required for Kilkenny and
Eddie Keher Edward Peter Keher (; born 14 October 1941) is an Irish former hurler who played as a centre-forward at senior level for the Kilkenny county team. Born in Inistioge, County Kilkenny, Keher first played competitive hurling whilst at school in ...
was deployed closer to the Cork goal. One of the most abiding memories of that game is of Keher grabbing the sliotar out of the sky and racing up the wing in the shadow of the Hogan Stand. From that sideline position Keher pucked the sliotar as if going for a point, however, the sliotar dropped short, deceiving Cork goalkeeper Paddy Barry, and ending up in the back of the net. After scoring that goal an almost emotionless Keher simply turned around to go back to his normal playing position with blood pouring out of a cut over his eye. Keher finished the game with a tally of 2-9 as Kilkenny scored seven points without reply to capture a memorable 3-24 to 5-11 victory.


1978-1983: Kilkenny double after Cork treble

Not the greatest of games between these two sides, however, it was notable as Cork attempted to capture a third All-Ireland title in-a-row on 3 September 1978. The game ebbed and flowed for much of the seventy minutes with no side breaking away. The sides were level eight times. With thirteen minutes left
Jimmy Barry-Murphy James Barry-Murphy (born 22 August 1954) is an Irish hurling manager and former hurler, Gaelic footballer and association football player. He was the manager of the senior Cork county hurling team from 2011 to 2015, returning a decade after h ...
hit a low shot in towards the goal and it bobbled in past goalkeeper
Noel Skehan Richard Noel Skehan (born 6 December 1944) is an Irish former hurler who played as a goalkeeper at senior level for the Kilkenny county team. Born in Bennettsbridge, County Kilkenny, Skehan first arrived on the inter-county scene at the age ...
. A 1-15 to 2-8 gave Cork their first championship three-in-a-row since
1954 Events January * January 1 – The Soviet Union ceases to demand war reparations from West Germany. * January 3 – The Italian broadcaster RAI officially begins transmitting. * January 7 – Georgetown-IBM experiment: The fir ...
. Kilkenny were rank outsiders going into the All-Ireland final on 5 September 1982 as the attendance dropped below 60,000 for the first time since before
World War II World War II or the Second World War, often abbreviated as WWII or WW2, was a world war that lasted from 1939 to 1945. It involved the vast majority of the world's countries—including all of the great powers—forming two opposin ...
. The opening eighteen minutes were frantic, however, a Noel Skehan save from a
Seánie O'Leary Seán O'Leary (25 February 1952 – 1 December 2021) was an Irish hurler who played as a left corner-forward at senior level for the Cork county team. Career Born in Youghal, County Cork, Munster, O'Leary first played competitive hurling whi ...
shot inspired Kilkenny. A brace of goals from
Christy Heffernan Christy Heffernan (born 26 December 1957) is an Irish retired hurler who played as a full-forward for the Kilkenny senior team. Born in Glenmore, County Kilkenny, Heffernan first arrived on the inter-county scene at the age of twenty-two when ...
in two minutes just before the break gave the Cats a commanding 2-11 to 0-7 lead. Cork rallied after the restart, however, Skehan was the hero for Kilkenny as they powered to a 3-18 to 1-13 victory. The first period of the All-Ireland final on 4 September 1983 was similar to the previous year as Kilkenny built up a healthy interval advantage of six points. Shortly after the restart the Noresiders advantage was nine points, however, they failed to score for the last seventeen minutes of the game. Cork rallied and narrowed the deficit to two points before running out of time.
Billy Fitzpatrick Billy Fitzpatrick (born 6 April 1954 in Johnstown, County Kilkenny, Ireland) is an Irish former sportsperson.() He played hurling with his local club the Fenians and was a member of the Kilkenny senior inter-county team from 1974 until 1986.() ...
had a dream game, scoring 0-10 for Kilkenny, while Noel Skehan won a ninth All-Ireland medal, a full twenty years after he won his first as a substitute.


1992: A lone meeting

The Cats were the favourites going into the All-Ireland final on 6 September 1992 as they sought their first championship in nine years. Cork, however, had earlier dethroned reigning champions
Tipperary Tipperary is the name of: Places *County Tipperary, a county in Ireland **North Tipperary, a former administrative county based in Nenagh **South Tipperary, a former administrative county based in Clonmel *Tipperary (town), County Tipperary's na ...
and were aiming for a second All-Ireland crown in two years. The final was going to script in the first half as Cork shot five points without reply before
D. J. Carey Denis Joseph Carey (born 11 November 1970) is an Irish people, Irish former Hurling, hurler who played as a left wing-forward at senior level for the Kilkenny county hurling team, Kilkenny county team. Carey began his hurling career at club lev ...
rattled home a penalty before half-time to leave them just two adrift at the beginning of the second period. Christy Heffernan entered the fray in the second half and inspired Kilkenny to up their performance. John Power kicked a goal and Cork, despite a
Ger Manley Ger Manley (born 13 January 1968) is an Irish former hurler and Gaelic footballer. At club level he played with Inniscarra, Midleton and Muskerry and was also a member of the Cork senior hurling team. Playing career Manley first played Gaeli ...
goal, were unable to get back on terms as Kilkenny ran out winners on a 3-10 to 1-12 scoreline.


1999-2006: Cork and Kilkenny dominate

As the century drew to a close so to did the hurling revolution of the nineties. The old order restored their grip on the
Liam MacCarthy Cup The Liam MacCarthy Cup is a trophy awarded annually by the Gaelic Athletic Association (GAA) to the team that wins the All-Ireland Senior Hurling Championship, the main competition in the prehistoric sport of hurling. Based on the design of a ...
with Cork and Kilkenny squaring off against each other in the All-Ireland final on 12 September 1999. In a dour contest played on a wet day, Cork trailed by 0-5 to 0-4 after a low-scoring first half. Kilkenny increased the pace after the interval, pulling into a four-point lead but Cork always kept in touch in a game in which both defences were on top. Kilkenny were 0-11 to 0-08 ahead and suddenly Cork moved up a gear and through
Joe Deane Joseph Deane (born 15 November 1977) is an Irish retired hurler who played for East Cork club Killeagh. He played for the Cork senior hurling team for 13 years, during which time he usually lined out as a left corner-forward. Diminutive in size ...
, Ben O'Connor and
Seánie McGrath Seánie McGrath (born 10 June 1975) is an Irish retired hurler who played as a left corner-forward for the Cork senior team. Born in Mayfield, Cork, McGrath first played competitive hurling during his schooling at Mayfield Community School. H ...
Cork scored five unanswered points. Kilkenny could only manage one more score – a point from a
Henry Shefflin Henry Shefflin (born 11 January 1979) is an Irish hurling manager and former player who is the current manager of the Galway senior hurling team. In his playing career he was nicknamed "King Henry" because of his directive style, dominance, com ...
free – and Cork held out to win by 0-13 to 0-12, their first defeat of Kilkenny since
1978 Events January * January 1 – Air India Flight 855, a Boeing 747 passenger jet, crashes off the coast of Bombay, killing 213. * January 5 – Bülent Ecevit, of Republican People's Party, CHP, forms the new government of Turkey (42nd go ...
. After a four-year hiatus, Cork and Kilkenny lined out against each other in the All-Ireland decider on 14 September 2003. The conclusion at the end was that Cork, who had endured a winter of discontent on Leeside culminating in a players' strike, had left the All-Ireland title behind them. Kilkenny sparkled in the first half when the Munster champions were haunted by some terrible finishing and stuttered in the face of an admirable recovery that was given huge impetus by
Setanta Ó hAilpín Setanta Ó hAilpín (born 18 March 1983) is a Fijian-Irish sportsman. He played hurling at senior level for the Cork county team before becoming a professional Australian rules footballer. Ó hAilpín is of mixed Irish and Rotuman background ...
's 53rd-minute goal. But Kilkenny had the character and the strength in defence to survive and then triumph through
Martin Comerford Martin Timothy Comerford (born 9 November 1978) is an Irish hurler who played as a centre-forward for the Kilkenny senior team. Born in London, at an early age Comerford went to St. John's Boys' National School in Ballybough Street, Kilkenny. ...
's goal five minutes from the end of normal time. On 12 September 2004, Cork and Kilkenny renewed their All-Ireland rivalry for a second year in-a-row. Kilkenny, as reigning champions, were attempting to claim a third successive All-Ireland championship, while Cork were out to gain revenge for defeat the previous year. The game was an unassuming one, played on a dull, overcast day. The sides were level for much of the game, however, in the final twenty minutes Cork scored nine points without reply and secured a 0-17 to 0-9 victory. For the third time in four years, Cork faced Kilkenny in the All-Ireland decider on 3 September 2006. Cork were aiming to become the first team since
1978 Events January * January 1 – Air India Flight 855, a Boeing 747 passenger jet, crashes off the coast of Bombay, killing 213. * January 5 – Bülent Ecevit, of Republican People's Party, CHP, forms the new government of Turkey (42nd go ...
to win a third successive All-Ireland championship. Revenge was foremost in the minds of Kilkenny as it was Cork who denied their own chance at three-in-a-row in
2004 2004 was designated as an International Year of Rice by the United Nations, and the International Year to Commemorate the Struggle Against Slavery and its Abolition (by UNESCO). Events January * January 3 – Flash Airlines Flight 6 ...
. In a bruising encounter, the teams were level five times before
Diarmuid O'Sullivan Diarmuid O'Sullivan (born 27 July 1978) is an Irish hurling coach and hurler who plays for Cork Premier Championship club Cloyne. He played for the Cork senior hurling team for 12 years, during which time he usually lined out as a full-back. ...
dropped a high ball into
Aidan Fogarty Aidan Fogarty (born 20 July 1982) is an Irish hurler who played as a left corner-forward for the Kilkenny senior team. Born in Urlingford, County Kilkenny, Fogarty first arrived on the inter-county scene at the age of twenty-one when he first ...
's path in the 29th minute and he rocketed a shot to the Cork net. Kilkenny led 1-8 to 0-8 at the break and while Ben O'Connor's 67th-minute goal, set up by the bulldozing
Niall McCarthy Niall McCarthy (born 1 September 1981 in Carrigtwohill, County Cork) is an Irish sportsperson. He played hurling with his local club Carrigtwohill and has been a member of the Cork senior inter-county team since 2002. Playing career Club Mc ...
, jangled nerves, Kilkenny held on for a 1-16 to 1-13 victory.


2008-2013: Kilkenny's dominant as Cork decline

By 2008, Cork's great team of the earlier part of the decade was in decline while Kilkenny were enjoying the most remarkable run of success in the history of the championship. On 10 August that year both sides faced each other in an All-Ireland semi-final. The Leesiders gave it their best shot early on and the sides were level six times in the opening twenty one minutes. But when
Eoin Larkin Eoin Larkin (born 17 July 1984) is an Irish hurler and coach. His league and championship career as a forward with the Kilkenny senior team spanned twelve seasons from 2005 to 2016. Born in Kilkenny, Larkin first played competitive hurling f ...
found himself in space for a Kilkenny goal after twenty nine minutes to have his side 1-9 to 0-6 in front, the champions were in control for the remainder. The nearest Cork came to closing the gap in the second half was to make it a five-point margin. Kilkenny claimed a 1-23 to 0-17 victory as Cork's stalwart full-back, Diarmuid O'Sullivan, made an emotional exit from inter-county hurling. With the four-in-a-row taken care of, Kilkenny set their sights on an unprecedented fifth successive championship in 2010. On 8 August Cork faced Kilkenny in the All-Ireland semi-final. The Cats controlled the game with a masterful performance, killing off the Cork challenge with goals from
Eddie Brennan Edward Joseph Brennan (born 2 October 1978) is an Irish hurling manager and former player. His league and championship career with the Kilkenny senior team lasted twelve seasons from 2000 until 2011. Brennan was the manager of the Laois senior ...
and Aidan Fogarty on their way to a 13-point interval lead. Cork did stage a revival in the second half with a string of well-taken scores from
Patrick Horgan Patrick Horgan (born 5 May 1988) is an Irish hurler who plays for Cork Senior Championship club Glen Rovers and at inter-county level with the Cork senior hurling team. He usually lines out as a forward. Playing career Glen Rovers Minor and ...
and Ben O'Connor, but the Cats grabbed a third goal from Richie Power to secure a 3-22 to 0-19 victory. On 28 July 2013, Cork faced Kilkenny at
Semple Stadium The Semple Stadium is the home of hurling and Gaelic football for Tipperary GAA and for the province of Munster. Located in Thurles, County Tipperary, it is the second largest GAA stadium in Ireland (after Croke Park), with a capacity of 45,690. ...
in the first ever meeting of the two sides at the All-Ireland quarter-final stage, Kilkenny entered the game clinging onto their hopes of a securing a tenth All-Ireland championship following narrow wins over
Tipperary Tipperary is the name of: Places *County Tipperary, a county in Ireland **North Tipperary, a former administrative county based in Nenagh **South Tipperary, a former administrative county based in Clonmel *Tipperary (town), County Tipperary's na ...
and
Waterford "Waterford remains the untaken city" , mapsize = 220px , pushpin_map = Ireland#Europe , pushpin_map_caption = Location within Ireland##Location within Europe , pushpin_relief = 1 , coordinates ...
. Kilkenny were boosted with the inclusion of Henry Shefflin and Michael Fennelly in their starting line-up, after the duo bounced back from a period on the sidelines due to injury. Patrick Horgan, who had his red card from the Munster final rescinded, returned to boost Cork's chances. Cork led for most of the game, while Kilkenny were dealt a major blow with a second yellow card for Shefflin late in the first half, as Cork claimed an 0-11 to 0-06 interval lead. Kilkenny battled hard on the restart, but Cork kept ahead with goalkeeper Anthony Nash inspirational in Cork's first victory over Kilkenny since 2004.


2019: All-Ireland Quarter-final

Despite being heavy favourite for a successive championship win over Kilkenny, Cork blew a two point half-time lead and were outclassed by a resurgent Kilkenny by a scoreline of 1-16 to 0-08 in the second half. Despite an heroic 3-10 individual tally scored by Pa Horgan, Cork were dumped out of the Championship to end the 2010s without an All-Ireland title; the first decade since the 1880s in which Cork failed to win at least one title.


Statistics

Up to date as of 2023 season


All time results


Legend


Senior championship


National League


Intermediate championship


Junior championship


Under-21 championship


Minor championship


Records


Scorelines

* Biggest championship win: ** For Cork: Cork 6-8 - 0-2 Kilkenny,
All-Ireland final The All-Ireland Final may refer to: * All-Ireland Hurling Final, the last match to be played in the All-Ireland Hurling Championship (Senior, Minor and Under-21 levels) * The last match to be played in the All-Ireland Senior Football Championship ...
,
Phoenix Park The Phoenix Park ( ga, Páirc an Fhionnuisce) is a large urban park in Dublin, Ireland, lying west of the city centre, north of the River Liffey. Its perimeter wall encloses of recreational space. It includes large areas of grassland and tre ...
, 24 June 1894 ** For Kilkenny: Kilkenny 7-7 - 2-9 Cork, All-Ireland final refixture,
Fraher Field Fraher Field ( ga, Páirc Uí Fhearachair) is a GAA stadium, located in Dungarvan, County Waterford, owned by the Waterford GAA County Board. It has a total capacity of around 15,000. History Dan Fraher (1852–1929), an Irish language activist ...
, 30 June 1907 * Biggest league win: ** For Cork: Cork 8-6 - 1-3 Kilkenny, National League Round 4,
Cork Athletic Grounds The Cork Athletic Grounds was a Gaelic Athletic Association (GAA) stadium where major hurling and football matches were played. Situated in the Ballintemple area of Cork in Ireland, it was the home of Cork GAA between 1904 and 1974. The stadium ...
, 18 April 1926 ** For Kilkenny: ***Kilkenny 8-10 - 2-1 Cork, National League Round 1,
Nowlan Park UPMC Nowlan Park (; ) is the principal Gaelic Athletic Association stadium in Kilkenny, Ireland. Named after James Nowlan (the longest serving President of the GAA), the stadium hosts major hurling matches and is home to the Kilkenny hurling te ...
, 6 November 1949 ***Kilkenny 4-26 - 0-11 Cork, National League Round 6,
Nowlan Park UPMC Nowlan Park (; ) is the principal Gaelic Athletic Association stadium in Kilkenny, Ireland. Named after James Nowlan (the longest serving President of the GAA), the stadium hosts major hurling matches and is home to the Kilkenny hurling te ...
, 5 April 2009 * Highest aggregate: ** Kilkenny 3-24 - 5-11 Cork,
All-Ireland final The All-Ireland Final may refer to: * All-Ireland Hurling Final, the last match to be played in the All-Ireland Hurling Championship (Senior, Minor and Under-21 levels) * The last match to be played in the All-Ireland Senior Football Championship ...
,
Croke Park Croke Park ( ga, Páirc an Chrócaigh, ) is a Gaelic games stadium in Dublin, Ireland. Named after Archbishop Thomas Croke, it is referred to as Croker by GAA fans and locals. It serves as both the principal national stadium of Ireland and he ...
, 7 September 1972


Most appearances


Top scorers

*Top scorer in a single game: **For Kilkenny: 2-9 ***
Eddie Keher Edward Peter Keher (; born 14 October 1941) is an Irish former hurler who played as a centre-forward at senior level for the Kilkenny county team. Born in Inistioge, County Kilkenny, Keher first played competitive hurling whilst at school in ...
, Kilkenny 3-24 - 5-11 Cork,
All-Ireland final The All-Ireland Final may refer to: * All-Ireland Hurling Final, the last match to be played in the All-Ireland Hurling Championship (Senior, Minor and Under-21 levels) * The last match to be played in the All-Ireland Senior Football Championship ...
,
Croke Park Croke Park ( ga, Páirc an Chrócaigh, ) is a Gaelic games stadium in Dublin, Ireland. Named after Archbishop Thomas Croke, it is referred to as Croker by GAA fans and locals. It serves as both the principal national stadium of Ireland and he ...
, 7 September 1972 **For Cork: 3-0 ***
Colm Sheehan Colm Sheehan (born 9 September 1941) was an Irish hurler. He played for club side Éire Óg, divisional side Muskerry and was the full-forward on the Cork senior hurling team that won the 1966 All-Ireland Championship. Sheehan's club caree ...
, Cork 3-9 - Kilkenny 1-10,
All-Ireland final The All-Ireland Final may refer to: * All-Ireland Hurling Final, the last match to be played in the All-Ireland Hurling Championship (Senior, Minor and Under-21 levels) * The last match to be played in the All-Ireland Senior Football Championship ...
, Croke Park, 4 September 1966


Attendances

*Highest attendance: **82,275 - Kilkenny 1-16 - 1-13 Cork,
All-Ireland final The All-Ireland Final may refer to: * All-Ireland Hurling Final, the last match to be played in the All-Ireland Hurling Championship (Senior, Minor and Under-21 levels) * The last match to be played in the All-Ireland Senior Football Championship ...
, Croke Park, 3 September 2006 *Lowest attendance: **1,000 - Cork 6-8 - 0-2 Kilkenny,
All-Ireland final The All-Ireland Final may refer to: * All-Ireland Hurling Final, the last match to be played in the All-Ireland Hurling Championship (Senior, Minor and Under-21 levels) * The last match to be played in the All-Ireland Senior Football Championship ...
,
Phoenix Park The Phoenix Park ( ga, Páirc an Fhionnuisce) is a large urban park in Dublin, Ireland, lying west of the city centre, north of the River Liffey. Its perimeter wall encloses of recreational space. It includes large areas of grassland and tre ...
, 24 June 1894


Club level

As well as the rivalry between the inter-county sides, Cork and Kilkenny club teams have also met on numerous occasions in the various All-Ireland club competitions.


Legend


Senior championship


Intermediate championship


Junior championship


Individual rivalries

Among the elite group of players hurling fans consider as contenders for the title, ''greatest player of all time'', Cork's
Christy Ring Nicholas Christopher Michael Ring (30 October 1920 – 2 March 1979) was an Irish hurling, hurler whose National Hurling League, league and All-Ireland Senior Hurling Championship, championship career at senior level with the Cork county hurling ...
and Kilkenny's
Henry Shefflin Henry Shefflin (born 11 January 1979) is an Irish hurling manager and former player who is the current manager of the Galway senior hurling team. In his playing career he was nicknamed "King Henry" because of his directive style, dominance, com ...
are probably the most famous, and generally dominate polls on the subject. Some of their fellow countymen also feature regularly in such debates, such as Cork's
Jack Lynch John Mary Lynch (15 August 1917 – 20 October 1999) was an Irish Fianna Fáil politician who served as Taoiseach from 1966 to 1973 and 1977 to 1979, Leader of Fianna Fáil from 1966 to 1979, Leader of the Opposition from 1973 to 1977, Minister ...
and
Brian Corcoran Brian Corcoran (born 23 March 1973) is an Irish former hurler and Gaelic footballer who played as a centre-back and as a full-forward for the Cork senior teams. Born in Glounthaune, County Cork, Corcoran first played competitive Gaelic games w ...
and Kilkenny's
Paddy Phelan Patrick Phelan (16 September 1910 – 7 December 1971) was an Irish hurler who played as a left wing-back for the Kilkenny senior team. Born in Freshford, County Kilkenny, Phelan arrived on the inter-county scene at the age of twenty-one whe ...
,
Lory Meagher Lorenzo Ignatius "Lory" Meagher (25 May 1899 – 17 May 1973) was an Irish hurler who played as a midfielder at senior level for the Kilkenny county team. Born in Tullaroan, County Kilkenny, Meagher arrived on the inter-county scene at the ag ...
and
Jim Langton James Langton (18 January 1918 – 18 April 1987) was an Irish hurler who usually played as a left wing-forward for the Kilkenny senior team. Born in Gowran, County Kilkenny, Phelan first played competitive hurling whilst at school in Kilke ...
, many of whom were named on the
Hurling Team of the Century The Hurling Team of the Century was chosen as part of the Gaelic Athletic Association's centenary year celebrations in 1984 to comprise, as a fifteen-member side divided as one goalkeeper, three half-backs, two midfielders, three half-forwardss a ...
. However, the over-riding discussion about which of Ring and Shefflin is the greater has proved to be never ending. Even though most consider them as the best players of their own times, many consider the comparison between them useless, as they played during incomparable eras. Ring remains the most iconic of hurlers, possessed of everything from talent and ferocious application to longevity and a string of records, including the first to reach eight All-Ireland medals. Obsessive about the game, he worked relentlessly to sustain a formidable array of techniques, complemented by great vision and anticipation. Physically resilient, he played senior inter-county between 1939 and 1963, when he retired as the top championship scorer of all time. A decade later Kilkenny's
Eddie Keher Edward Peter Keher (; born 14 October 1941) is an Irish former hurler who played as a centre-forward at senior level for the Kilkenny county team. Born in Inistioge, County Kilkenny, Keher first played competitive hurling whilst at school in ...
broke Ring's scoring record. When Keher won his sixth All-Ireland medal in 1975, Kilkenny trainer
Tommy Maher Monsignor Thomas Maher (25 April 1922 – 25 March 2015) was an Irish Catholic priest and Irish Hurler who played as left wing-forward for the Kilkenny senior team. Born in Gowran, County Kilkenny, Maher first played competitive hurling during ...
said: ''"At this stage, I must say Eddie Keher is the greatest I've seen. The second greatest was Christy Ring. Up until last year, perhaps, I would have reversed that order. But I have no doubt at all now, because Keher has done so much for the game, has played it so brilliantly, scores so brilliantly and at all times then a thorough gentleman – a credit to the game."''. The emergence of
D. J. Carey Denis Joseph Carey (born 11 November 1970) is an Irish people, Irish former Hurling, hurler who played as a left wing-forward at senior level for the Kilkenny county hurling team, Kilkenny county team. Carey began his hurling career at club lev ...
as a force with Kilkenny in the 1990s brought a new challenger to Ring's status as the undisputed number one hurler of all time.
D. J. Carey Denis Joseph Carey (born 11 November 1970) is an Irish people, Irish former Hurling, hurler who played as a left wing-forward at senior level for the Kilkenny county hurling team, Kilkenny county team. Carey began his hurling career at club lev ...
scored 44 points in All-Ireland Hurling Finals, edging Ring's record by a single point. At the time of his retirement in 2014, Henry Shefflin had seemed to edge out all other legends of the game for the title of hurling's greatest. As the greatest player on the greatest team of all time, he broke all records: 10 All-Ireland medals, 11 All Stars and a record career championship total of 27-483. Intimidating in his reliability on the biggest of occasions. Above all an inspiring leader, his abilities combined power and fearlessness in winning ball with subtlety and accuracy in its use.


Players

The rivalry between the two teams has not prevented their respective countrymen from playing in each other's club championships, in certain cases to high renown. In 1939 Martin White became one of the first Kilkenny players to play club hurling in Cork when he joined the famous
Blackrock BlackRock, Inc. is an American Multinational corporation, multi-national investment company based in New York City. Founded in 1988, initially as a Enterprise risk management, risk management and fixed income institutional asset manager, BlackR ...
club. Over thirty years later Frank Cummins won the first of his three
All-Ireland All-Ireland (sometimes All-Island) refers to all of Ireland, as opposed to the separate jurisdictions of the Republic of Ireland and Northern Ireland. "All-Ireland" is most frequently used to refer to sporting teams or events for the entire islan ...
medals at club level with Blackrock. In 2005 ten-time All-Ireland medal winner
Henry Shefflin Henry Shefflin (born 11 January 1979) is an Irish hurling manager and former player who is the current manager of the Galway senior hurling team. In his playing career he was nicknamed "King Henry" because of his directive style, dominance, com ...
was linked with a move to the Blackrock club. Cork have also supplied players to various Kilkenny clubs. Three-time All-Ireland club medal winner
Donie Collins Donal "Donie" Collins (born 1 September 1950) is an Irish retired hurler who played as a right wing-forward for the Cork senior team. Collins joined the team during the 1971-72 National Hurling League and was a regular member of the starting ...
, a native of
Castlehaven Castlehaven () is a civil parish in County Cork, Ireland. It is located approximately 75 km south west of Cork City on the coast. The civil parish includes the town of Castletownshend and also contains the hamlets of Rineen and Tragumna. T ...
, transferred from Blackrock to James Stephens in 1981 and quickly won a record-breaking fourth medal in 1982. In 1989, Cork's four-time
dual Dual or Duals may refer to: Paired/two things * Dual (mathematics), a notion of paired concepts that mirror one another ** Dual (category theory), a formalization of mathematical duality *** see more cases in :Duality theories * Dual (grammatical ...
All-Ireland medal winner
Brian Murphy Brian Murphy may refer to: Sportspeople * Brian Murphy (Jamaican cricketer) (born 1973), Jamaican cricketer * Brian Murphy (Zimbabwean cricketer) (born 1976), Zimbabwean cricketer * Brian Murphy (baseball) (born 1980), American head baseball coach ...
joined the
O'Loughlin Gaels O'Loughlin Gaels is a Gaelic Athletic Association club situated in the St. John’s parish of Kilkenny city, County Kilkenny, Ireland. History The club was founded in 1969, replacing the St. John’s Hurling Club that started back in 1887. O ...
club where he became heavily involved as a player and coach.


References

{{DEFAULTSORT:Cork-Kilkenny hurling rivalry
Kilkenny Kilkenny (). is a city in County Kilkenny, Ireland. It is located in the South-East Region and in the province of Leinster. It is built on both banks of the River Nore. The 2016 census gave the total population of Kilkenny as 26,512. Kilken ...
Kilkenny county hurling team rivalries