John Mullane Thinks Cork Team Made A Big Error With Homecoming Decision
Two days on from the All-Ireland final against Tipperary, the wounds from the heavy defeat are sure to still be fresh for the people of Cork.
There was a feeling within the Rebel County that their long Liam MacCarthy drought was set to come to an end, with Cork having been the best team in the country up to that point in 2025.
What followed was a devastating loss, one that saw them go from being six points up at halftime to eventually losing by 15 points.
While a homecoming in front of the supporters is the usual procedure on the day after an All-Ireland final, the Cork players and management opted against attending such an event on this occasion.
There will be no homecoming for the Cork hurlers this evening, at the behest of players and management. Cork GAA released a statement this morning confirming the news.
Large crowds attended SuperValu Páirc Uí Chaoimh last July to welcome the Cork hurlers home after their… pic.twitter.com/Mdm4yWuzTL
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There has been plenty of debate surrounding the decision.
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While the Cork team are no doubt devastated on the back of their All-Ireland defeat, some have questioned the wisdom behind the decision to not thank a group of supporters have loyally supported the group throughout this season.
Speaking on the Indo Sport podcast, John Mullane suggested that this move was one the players would come to regret over the coming months.
I think you have an obligation to go and face into your own people. Within the GAA, there is the good days and the bad days. The bad days drive you on to the good days.
It can't be all about celebrating and the pat on the back...
You take the good with the bad. I think they've probably missed a beat here.
I know they probably feel low today, it's tough. Last night was probably tough for them, today would be extremely tough for them.
But what do you do? You can't just hide away from it...
The people who would come out tonight would be the most loyal people, the young kids and supporters who adore you, who pay really good money week in and week out to go and support you...
I wouldn't say they've let themselves down. I think they will regret doing it when things die down in three or four months time.
The first phase of redemption is facing your own people. I think they probably should have went ahead with that homecoming.
It's hard to disagree with Mullane on this occasion.
Thanking the supporters is certainly the done thing after an All-Ireland final regardless of the result, although the Cork team clearly felt unable to face into such an event on the back of this particular defeat.
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