SATURDAY’S Munster hurling final being decided on penalties made for one of the main topics of debate on The Sunday Game.
An instant classic filled with intensity, if not always the greatest of quality, was settled in highly unusual fashion at the Gaelic Grounds.
Brendan Cummins isn’t a general fan of penalty shoot-outs in hurling[/caption]
It’s one thing how Gaelic football shoot-outs have become more commonplace since the GAA did away with replays.
But seeing it unfold at the end of a massive hurling contest didn’t sit well with many fans.
Brendan Cummins is among that number as he argued they’re not a fair way to decide such matches.
Speaking on The Sunday Game, the Tipperary goalkeeping great said: “I don’t like them. I’d rather if we could extend the season (by making space for a replay).
“It’s not fair on either team. It’s difficult and you also have to take into account fatigue.
“Look at Darragh Fitzgibbon’s penalty. He planted down on his left foot there as he began his strike…cramp hit straight away and it took the power off the strike.
“But look, it is what it is. Both teams knew going into it that was the situation at play. But what a way for Cork to win it!
“They showed unbelievable character and on a human level, those scenes with Pat Ryan afterwards would make you say well done to those Cork men.”
The 50-year-old isn’t the only prominent RTE GAA figure to speak out against shoot-outs in the wake of Saturday evening’s extra-time thriller.
Former Sunday Games host Des Cahill tweeted: “Does a tremendous final like this really have to be decided by penalties?
“Imagine the anticipation, the craic, and the buzz if we were looking forward to a replay!
“This is the price of the condensed season. Congrats to Cork & Limerick on providing a superb Munster final.”
His successor in the role meanwhile, paid tribute to victorious boss Ryan whose brother passed away only four months ago.
Upon 94 minutes and the ensuing shoot-out drawing to a close, fellow Cork native Jacqui Hurley immediately thought of the Ryan family as a whole.
Sharing a pic of Cork supporters turning the Gaelic Grounds red, she said: “Ray, I hope you are smiling down on these scenes.”
