‘I don’t think I’ve ever been so invested in a game I know nothing about’
The All-Ireland hurling final was broadcast across the BBC networks for the first time on Sunday, opening the game up to a whole new audience.
Clare and Cork faced each other at Croke Park as they battled it out for the Liam McCarthy Cup and put on an absolute spectacle.
It was Clare that would go on to be victorious, winning the game in extra time to win Ireland’s biggest prize for the first time since 2013.
Tony Kelly and Robert Downey both produced some of the greatest goals in hurling history, which even the Brits across the way were able to appreciate.
British viewers react to All-Ireland final
Despite the BBC and GAA being broadcasting partners for a while now it’s only been recently that they’ve stepped their coverage up.
Games have been shown on BBC NI, with some big fixtures having also been shown on iPlayer in recent seasons. Last year the All-Ireland football final was shown on the BBC for the first time and now the hurling equivalent has been shown.
Given it was on BBC Two, lots of the UK were introduced to the sport for the first time and safe to say it went down a treat.
One said: “BBC 2 is showing hurling and I don’t think I’ve ever been so invested in a game I know nothing about.
“I’ll be honest, I’ve never watched hurling in my life but the run here, the atmosphere, all of it. Superb. Might have to give it a proper go,” said a second.
Another added: “Any British people wondering what the story is with hurling on BBC 2, just imagine two teams of Roy Keane, but they all have a large weapon in their hands.
“I have no idea what’s going on but this is an incredible spectacle. These blokes are super-human, brave and made of absolute steel,” commented a fourth.
This person said: “Never really seen hurling before, but just watched the #Allirelandhuringfinal on BBC2. A totally bonkers game, the level of skill and effort involved was unbelievable. To top it all off, it’s played by amateurs who will go back to work in the morning. Loved it!!
Confused Brits call for ‘handball
Of course it’s great to see so many people watching the sport for the first time but there was some confusion between people casting their eyes on the hurling.
Downey’s sensational goal in the first half will go down as one of the great Croke moments and even though the BBC did their best to inform the viewers of just how spectacular it was, some Brits were left rather confused.
“Egg and spooning from another dimension,” claimed one person.
“Handball!” suggested another.
This person said: “Egg and spoon race for adults.”
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