John Mullane says it is 'unfair' that Cork were denied a replay against Clare

Waterford hurling legend John Mullane has criticised the fact that the All-Ireland hurling final went to extra time rather than a replay.

Television coverage of Sunday’s decisive match was dominated by discussions about why the game was sent to extra time after the two teams were level after 70 minutes.

While replays were a common feature of the GAA summer in years past, they have mostly been eradicated, except for finals – and then only if both counties are level after the extra 20 minutes of extra time have ended.

Waterford hurling legend John Mullane. Photo: Sportsfile — Waterford hurling legend John Mullane has criticised the fact that the All-Ireland hurling final went to extra time. Photo: Sportsfile

There was very little to separate the Rebels and Banners on Sunday and ultimately it was a single point that ensured the Liam MacCarthy Cup headed west of the Shannon.

In the RTE studio, people like Donal Og Cusack were quick to express their annoyance that the match was not paused for two weeks after the first 70 minutes.

Speaking after the decisive match, Mullane expressed a similar view and believes the current rules are unfair to players.

Cork's Niall O'Leary in action against Clare's David Fitzgerald during the GAA All-Ireland Senior Hurling Championship final between Clare and Cork at Croke Park in Dublin. Photo: Seb Daly/Sportsfile — Cork’s Niall O’Leary in action against Clare’s David Fitzgerald during the GAA All-Ireland Senior Hurling Championship final between Clare and Cork at Croke Park in Dublin. Photo: Seb Daly/Sportsfile

“A lot of people said afterwards, ‘Jesus, it was a little unfair that some of these players had cramps after training all year. Why wasn’t the game replayed?’” he told The Throw In podcast.

“I agree that a replay would have been the best solution given what happened.

“In fact, a lot of Cork fans left the stadium not knowing there was going to be extra time and they all had to come back.”

Clare's Conor Clery lifts the Liam MacCarthy Cup during the All-Ireland Senior Hurling Champions' homecoming celebrations at Active Ennis Tim Smythe Park in Clare. Photo: Piaras Ó Mídheach/Sportsfile — Clare’s Conor Clery lifts the Liam MacCarthy Cup during the All-Ireland Senior Hurling Champions’ homecoming celebrations at Active Ennis Tim Smythe Park in Clare. Photo: Piaras Ó Mídheach/Sportsfile

Although reports indicated that a number of fans attempted to leave Croker at the end of regular time, it appears that the number of those who did so was nominal.

Extra time was also an eventful 20 minutes and only added to a match that many fans and pundits have called an all-time classic.

With the inter-county season now over, the Clare and Cork hurlers are now free to return to their club duties until the 2025 Championship campaign rolls around in the New Year.