Patrick Horgan says Cork must improve form ahead of Munster championship

Michael Bolton

Cork hurler Patrick Horgan says Cork must improve ahead of Sunday's clash with Clare, despite ending their 27-year wait for a league title.

Cork, who lost to Clare in a classic final last July, are seen by many as the favourites to end their 20-year wait for the Liam MacCarthy.

That belief includes their comprehensive win over the All-Ireland champions, who were relegated.

Despite Cork going into the game with momentum and silverware, Horgan dismissed any advantage they may have had.

"It is such a new thing for us. Being at home might have been a bit of an advantage. Yeah, we got a trophy and it was brilliant, and Jack [his son] was there and he was delighted for me – and it was brilliant – but we were bad in the second half.

"We didn't perform well. Pat was obviously disappointed about the second half, and I think a lot of the players were as well. We need to address that, or it won’t be enough.

"We got seven or eight points in the second half. I know we were up by a bit, but an eight-point return after being so dominant was not great. It focuses the mind."

One of the greatest forwards the game has ever seen, Horgan is showing no signs of slowing down at the age of 36. Last year, the Cork man became the all-time leading scorer in the championship.

Heading into his 18th season with the Rebel county, Horgan's focus is on one game at a time, and he is enjoying every moment with this Cork side.

"I go training on a Tuesday, link in with the boys, put my best foot forward in every session. Do the same as everybody around me. Try to get on the panel, and after that, try to get on the team.

"The competition we have at the minute is just ridiculous. There are positions up for grabs all over the shop. It's the same next week—everybody back in the hat. Everybody is trying to put their hand up for a spot on the 26 firstly, and after that, a spot on the team."

The one trophy that has evaded Horgan is an All-Ireland, having reached finals in 2013, 2021, and 2024.

A point up in the final moments of 2013, Horgan could not have come closer—until a point for Clare sent the final to a replay, which the Banner county won.

When the time comes to hang up his boots, Horgan says winning an All-Ireland will not be the deciding factor. He says he would still be playing even if he'd already won one.

"Yeah, I'd say I would. Even in the last few years, when I'm asked, when will I go? Will I go if I win one? It has nothing to do with winning any All-Irelands. It doesn't.

"Hopefully, someday, if we do get a chance to do it, I get to say it then—that it actually doesn’t matter that much.

"It would probably matter more to people around me and people that support me and support the team than to the actual players themselves.

"Along the way, the friendships and good days out and all of that stop at the end of the season. That’s what it’s about for me."