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Hurling

What is it like to score in an All-Ireland final?

Few people experience the elation of scoring a goal in an All-Ireland final, fortunately, both Sh...



What is it like to score in an...
Hurling

What is it like to score in an All-Ireland final?

Few people experience the elation of scoring a goal in an All-Ireland final, fortunately, both Shane Dowling and Aidan Fogarty are two men who have enjoyed this high.

The former hurlers shared their insight into what this feeling is like on OTB Sports Saturday Panel.

Dowling's elation at scoring in the All-Ireland final

Limerick's Dowling, forced to retire this year due to injury, scored the goal in 2018 that all but sealed the first championship for the Shannonsiders since 1973.

After seeing his effort hit the back of the net, Dowling erupted and he admitted that he still receives some slagging for his reaction.

"I still get plenty of abuse for that celebration," Dowling admitted, laughing.

"You are overcome with emotion. For me, I thought when I scored that goal that it was game over.

"I was obviously wrong and you should not think that way, but I think that put us eight or nine points up. There was only a minute of normal time left so as far as I was concerned, Limerick were going on to win the All-Ireland."

A more subdued reaction

Kilkenny went into the 2006 clash with Cork looking to stop the Rebel's delivering their third championship on the trot.

As a young man coming into the team, Fogarty believes he went under the radar due to the supreme talent in Brian Cody's side at that time.

"I came in under the radar in that All-Ireland. I was 12/1 to score the first goal and a few guys backed me so they were happy men in the pub," Fogarty joked.

"I did not celebrate that goal at all. I mishit it off my left-hand side. I was counting my blessings. I could not believe it went in.

"I went straight back out to position because I was so focused and so eager for the next ball. Cork were going for three in a row.

"We knew what they were capable of and that if we took our eyes off the ball that they could hit us at any moment," Fogarty said, illustrating the high-stakes nature of All-Ireland final day.

Fogarty's regrets not celebrating the goal on All-Ireland final day

Fogarty went on to win five All-Ireland medals with Kilkenny, however, there was a certain amount of regret for not savouring that beautiful moment in 2006.

Five time All-Ireland winner Aidan Fogarty drives with the ball.

"I regret not celebrating it now and not taking in the moment, but it will forever be one of my best games," he continued.

"It was just a fantastic moment and something I will cherish forever."

For his part, Dowling had similar feelings after contributing to ending Limerick's long championship drought.

It is something that he will look back on with pride for the rest of his life.

"You hear people say you dream about winning an All-Ireland. Sometimes all these words can be thrown out there, but you genuinely do [have those dreams].

"To have that moment, it was very special. There is no point in saying otherwise.

"It was a great moment for me but it was great [also] for my family, and in years to come maybe for my own kids to look back on. I am very honoured to be able to have done it.

"It was such a unique day for Limerick hurling," Dowling concluded.

Shane Dowling after winning the 2018 All-Ireland final.

Limerick have the chance to create history on Sunday afternoon.

If they can get over the line against Waterford they will have clinched the league title and the Liam McCarthy Cup without losing a game.

It will be a razor-tight encounter and someone will invariably write their name into the record books like Dowling and Fogarty before them.

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All-Ireland Hurling Championship Final GAA Kilkenny Limerick Shane Dowling Taggy Fogarty Waterford