Liam Cahill responds to Cork fans booing Darragh McCarthy

More than 30,000 supporters packed into the stadium for the Leeside clash, creating a championship style setting despite it being early in the season. One moment in particular drew plenty of attention.

When reigning Young Hurler of the Year Darragh McCarthy was introduced during the second half, he took over free taking duties for Tipperary. As he prepared to strike the ball, sections of the Cork support greeted him with loud boos.

After the game, Tipperary manager Liam Cahill was asked about the reaction by journalist Paul Carroll. Cahill was calm in his response and showed little concern.

"Yeah that’s probably creeping into sport in general but look Darragh is well capable of putting that to the back of his mind.

It’s a bit of friendly banter I’d imagine, nothing major from it from our side. It’s going to be something similar come April or May come the Munster championship when the stadium is full as well"

Cahill was keen to frame the moment as part of the occasion rather than anything personal or hostile. With Munster championship fixtures approaching, he suggested that this type of edge is simply part of playing high profile games in front of big crowds.

The Tipperary boss also made a point of praising the home support and the atmosphere they created.

"Huge credit to the Cork supporters tonight, they pack out the stadium and it’s a brilliant experience for a lot of our younger players and always great to see that interest in the game of hurling"

For McCarthy, it was another lesson in handling pressure on a big stage. For Cork and Tipperary, it was a reminder that even league meetings between the two rarely lack intensity.

When the sides meet again later in the year, the reception will be watched closely. For now, Liam Cahill views it as part of the theatre that makes Munster hurling what it is.