'All-Ireland Hurling semis deliver epic spectacle'

Cork's Ciaran Joyce and Shane Kingston celebrate their side's epic semi-final win over Limerick

The wait is over, the big day is here.

Excitement builds across the country as people prepare for the journey ahead. It’s a scene replicated in many homes.

Cork, Clare, Limerick and Kilkenny all witness an exodus as fans bedecked in team colours prepare for the trip ahead.

Thousands willingly partake in the cross-county trek in support of their hurling heroes. It's All-Ireland Hurling semi-final weekend.

On the road, travelling fans fly their colours from car windows to identify tribal support.

Petrol stations, pit stops and picnics, form a part of the journey; coaches and cars wind along this well-travelled route as they head towards Dublin.

As they near the destination, nervous anticipation kicks in.

'Where to park? What to bring? Will it rain? Do we need coats? Where to eat? Who's got the tickets?'

It’s all part of the excitement of the day.

Parked up now, and on foot, the faithful make their way towards the stadium.

Fans pouring out of pubs onto the streets, the air thick with the smell of barbecue.

Supporters with flags slung around their shoulders revel in the drama that lies ahead.

Stewards’ directions are interrupted by loud shrill horn blasts from exuberant young fans. The journey to the ground is a sensory overload.

Progressing down Clonliffe Road, the colosseum that is Croke Park peaks out over the tops of the terraced houses, the iconic stadium dominating the Dublin skyline.

Croke Park under the blue Dublin sky

The familiar path, frequented by both GAA fans and concert-goers alike, fizzes with excitement.

There’s a palpable buzz as throngs of fans march towards ‘headquarters’.

“Anyone buying or selling tickets?” It’s one punter's desperate last-gasp attempt to secure access to the semi-final showdown.

Jones’ Road is wall to wall colour, flags waving, team shirts from various eras, fans from rival counties engaged in friendly banter. If the atmosphere is like this outside two hours before the game, it will be fever pitch in the Croker cauldron.

Once inside, the cavernous aspect of the stands never fails to amaze.

Hogan, Cusack and Davin stands, all teeming with fans, whose hopes and fears are about to play out on the hallowed turf in front of them.

The pitch is impeccable, manicured and marked out for the battle ahead, it’s ready for the entry of the gladiators.

A trumpet fanfare signals the arrival of the teams to the roars of the gathered spectators.

Clare exact revenge on the Cats

Saturday - what a game.

For a long time, it looks like a case of history repeating itself, but a stunning second-half fightback ensures victory for Clare as they beat Kilkenny, the old foes who denied them at this stage in the previous two years.

Belief grows in the raucous Banner crowd as they relentlessly reel in their opposition.

The Cats led from the very start and seemed in control, until the 69th minute when Aidan McCarthy fired Clare into the lead. His score was met with a resounding crescendo which reverberates around Croke Park.

Turns out that 13 is Clare’s lucky number.

Having secured victory over the Cats in April’s National League Hurling final, Clare will now be relishing their first appearance in the All-Ireland final since 2013.

There’s that 13 number again. An omen? Maybe.

Kilkenny’s quest for a third consecutive final appearance is over.

Their wait for a first title since 2015 goes on. Instead, it’s the Banner who begin preparations for the big day in the big house in a fortnight's time.

Rebels end Limerick's 'Drive for Five'

On to Sunday. Limerick had their sights set on a bit of hurling history.

No team has ever managed five-in-a-row when it comes to the holy grail of hurling.

Only three teams have captured four-in-a-row: Cork 1941-44, Kilkenny 2006-09 and the current Limerick side 2020-23.

The Treaty stand on the brink of history, but Cork have other ideas.

If you believe in sporting omens, Cork had the same dressing room as Clare had on Saturday.

Despite trailing at the break Cork’s vociferous support grows louder with every point that their side fire over in the second half.

Dogged Limerick are a machine though, and won't go away without a fight.

They battle to keep their dream alive, however, Cork’s indomitable Rebel spirit was not to be denied.

The final whistle sends the Leesiders support into euphoria. Cork are back. Their fans, ecstatic with joy, raise the roof at Croke Park with their exuberant post-game celebrations.

Declan Dalton celebrates Cork's win over Limerick

The Rebels will now be aiming to go one further, having avenged the 2021 All-Ireland final defeat by Limerick.

The Leesiders now dream of a return to the heady days of 2004 and 2005 when they savoured back-to-back titles.

At the end of an exhilarating weekend of hurling action, only Clare and Cork remain standing.

The Munster rivals will have their own objectives as they prepare for the decider on 21 July.

Now, the clamour begins all over again in Clare and Cork.

The search for tickets, travel plans, alarm clocks set, breakfast eaten, packed lunches, flasks filled. The journey begins again.

Last time out it was a dress rehearsal, this time it’s all on the line for two proud counties.

The final beckons once more for two sets of fervent fans.

In a couple of weeks, thousands will empty out of Cork and Clare in the hope of witnessing some history.

Whoever wins and gets their hands on Liam, there’s no doubt that the ardent supporters of that county will have found their epic odyssey worthwhile.