I moved to Cork in 1980 but just like Maura Horgan in this week’s cover story, I will always be shouting for Tipp. There have been exciting matches between Tipperary and Cork over the years – but this is the first time the two teams will come head-to-head in an All-Ireland final.

As soon as the whistle blew for both matches during the All-Ireland semi-finals weekend, the search for tickets began.

There have been plenty of phone conversations and text messages with tickets being swapped and promised from county to county. Now, the excitement is mighty. We have secured three tickets. Two are together and one alone. I have my name on the single one. I could not listen to Philip or Tim beside me on a day when we will all be wound up like springs. I’m told the momentum is with Cork. But I know that Tipp will be on fire.

Back-to-back matches

Tim and I were also lucky enough to get to Croke Park for both days of the hurling semi-finals. The Cork and Dublin game showed Cork to be a skilled and formidable team and just too strong for Dublin. Tim thoroughly enjoyed the game.

The morning of the Tipp versus Kilkenny game, I put on my Tipp jersey for the game and Tim put on his Cork jersey. Could that be called cocky? People stopped to chat with him in the street, congratulating him and wondering if Cork would win the All-Ireland. It was great fun and I’m looking forward to all the banter again this weekend.

On our way into the Hogan stand, the steward stopped Tim and in good humour asked him “are you here spying for Cork or what?” The two little words Up Tipp stuck in his throat. Still, he certainly didn’t shout for the cats. I thought of my late stepdad John often and how he loved Kilkenny. He’d have loved the banter with his Tipp neighbours.

The morning of the Tipp versus Kilkenny game, I put on my Tipp jersey for the game and Tim put on his Cork jersey. Could that be called cocky?

Dáithí O’Sé’s voice rang out. “There are no back doors and no windows open. Cork are waiting for one more team.”

We all know the result of that weekend but our trip to Croke Park wasn’t just about the sport. The GAA usually focus on something significant before big games. Before the Cork versus Dublin match, the focus was on the partnership of the RNLI and the GAA to promote the ‘float to live’ message. It resonated profoundly as young people that lost their lives while swimming were remembered.

Last Friday, a young Tipperary girl, Freya Tobin, died after getting into difficulty swimming in Co Tipperary. Our hearts go out to her heartbroken family.

On the Sunday, just as Tipp were to face Kilkenny, the message of the day turned to breaking the silence on mental health. Dáithí informed us that, “One in six young people suffer from mental health issues. Break the silence on mental health.” Sport is wonderful but there’s also huge pressures on players. It’s important the focus is on cultivating a positive mental health environment for all players.

Best of luck

And so in the O’Leary household, like in many other farming households across the country, we look to the weekend ahead. In Pat Ryan’s words, “everything has to be perfect for the All-Ireland final”. No doubt Liam Cahill is having the same thoughts. It’ll be a competitive game but we’ll still enjoy the final match of the hurling championship. Best of luck to both teams and thank you for the enjoyment.

Thanks to all the stewards and officials too, who get involved in the craic and keep us all safe for the games.

Only a few days to go.