RTE aired the first of their Thursday night sport classics last night and viewers were treated to an epic in the form of the 1995 hurling final.
In the absence of live sport, the national broadcaster will be showing classic sporting moments on Thursday nights over the next 10 weeks, with the details of what’s in store being revealed a few days ago. Viewers couldn’t have asked for a better showdown to begin with last night as we got to see the iconic 1995 hurling final between Clare and Offaly.
Up to that point, Offaly had won three titles over the course of the 80s and early 90s but Clare needed to bridge a mammoth 81-year gap since their last Liam MacCarthy crown.
They did just that, finally beating a stubborn Offaly side by two points and it’s fair to say people enjoyed reliving the game on TV last night, although not only for the sport. The 1990s fashion and haircuts came in for particular praise, both from those on the pitch as well as the people in the crowd.
It was a simpler time, when thousands of people could rush onto the Croke Park pitch at the end of the game and how the nation longs to see moments like this again.
Here’s all the reaction…
Ah lads, that was blissful. Bring back the 90s. https://t.co/yosr1s6E6f
— Jacqui Hurley (@jacquihurley) April 16, 2020
That was like a breath of fresh air. A great throwback to a former time. A time where fans were allowed to celebrate on the pitch! #rtesportclassics pic.twitter.com/RdN0vxmYjr
— Maureen Catterson (@MoCatterson) April 16, 2020
Bring back pitch invasions #RTESportClassics
— Murph (@cathalmurphy97) April 16, 2020
I bet Davy Fitz is watching this now in a dark room in an armchair roaring and effin blindin outta him. Foaming at the mouth. #RTESportClassics #ClareOffaly btw loving the fashion of 1995 in the crowd.
— Dylan Prendergast (@MrXathon) April 16, 2020
It's saying something when PJ O'Connells mullet is more stylish than the hurling on display here #GAA #RTEsportclassics
— Jimmy Dillane (@JimmyDillane) April 16, 2020
"How's it goin' Lohan? Well it's great to be alive!" @RTE2 showed the Clare victory in the 1995 All Ireland final tonight. Only caught the latter part but it was good for the soul.#RTESportClassics
— Colette Sexton (@colette_sexton) April 16, 2020
Proper hurling, goosebumps 25 years later 💛💙 #RTESportClassics
— Suzanne O Connor (@Suzanne0c) April 16, 2020
Hurling was so much better back in the day. Must have been the loose jersies and the short shorts or maybe it was the lack of helmets #RTESportClassics #clarevoffaly
— Ciara O Flynn (@cnof83) April 16, 2020
Loved that Offaly team. Pilkington, Troy, Duignan, the jersey. Tremendous 😍 #RTESportClassics
— Blake Forkan (@forks_gk_) April 16, 2020
Well that would lift the spirits. Excellent choice @RTEgaa #upthebanner #RTESportClassics
— Mary (@marycrehan1) April 16, 2020
https://twitter.com/liamothebear1/status/1250898550793306116
Next up in RTE’s series of classics is the 2004 Munster Final between Waterford and Cork, which will be aired next Thursday, April 23 on RTE 2.
READ NEXT: A fan has reimagined Gavin & Stacey in lockdown and it’s actually pretty accurate
