There is something so majestic about Croke Park on All Ireland Final day. Something that gets your pulse racing just as you near the stadium.
We wanted to capture the magic of the day – the people, the fans, the workers, the build up, the ecstasy, the agony and everything that comes with the big day.
This year it was Kilkenny and Tipperary who brought the nation to a standstill with skill, excitement and pure unbridled desire.
The greatest spectacle on earth? We think so…
1. Miraculously the sun was shining on the first Sunday in September
2. Some got there as early as they could
3. Not even the experts knew what was coming
4. Meeting points were fixed
5. As expectation grew for a clash of the titans
6. They came in their thousands from every corner of Ireland
7. Dressed to the nines
8. A quick burger to help settle the nerves
9. Tickets changed hands
10. Some last minute accessories
11. A quick selfie for those at home
12. Entrepreneurs sold water to the thirsty fans
13. The band were there playing as always
14. Tactics were discussed
15. There was always a friendly face to guide you there
16. The songs rang out all along Jones Road
17. The collars were straightened
18. The sheet music checked twice
19. The nervous wait for the Artane band
20. As 82,000 people filled the stadium
21. The famous red carpet
22. For our wonderful president
23. All was set for a ferocious battle
24. The teams traded early blows
25. While some struggled to find their seats
26. The nerves were intense
27. On both sides of the fence
28. Enda watched on
29. So did Bertie
30. And Gerry
31. The groundsmen did their work at half time
32. And then the tide started to turn away from Kilkenny
33. As many realised it wasn’t going to be their year
34. Some watching on had seen it all before but still couldn’t believe their eyes
35. Tipp had reached the dreamland
36. And the cup was theirs
37. Even in defeat they gave it their all
38. But it still hurt so much
39. The face of a happy player’s father says it all
40. Teammates through it all
41. Back to the drawing board for next year
42. A wonderful moment shared with family
43. Time for home. The most majestic day
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