Actor Jimmy Nesbitt was high in the stands for the epic All-Ireland Hurling Final clash, describing the Cork-Clare match up as the “very heartbeat of a nation”.
The game ended with Clare claiming the title for the first time since 2013 after Cork’s Robbie O’Flynn snatched the sliotar from the air but fired wide in the very last play of the day.
Mr Nesbitt, Derry Girls’ Siobhan McSweeney along with comedians Dara Ó Briain and David O’Doherty were high in the stands offering extra commentary from a different angle during the BBC’s already widely praised coverage of GAA coverage this season.
It was not the first hurling game for the Co Derry actor, and avid Coleraine FC supporter, but it was, likely without argument, the best he has ever attended.
The Bloodlands actor told viewers: “It struck me that particularly people from my background in the North, have missed out on this, and I really hope now that everyone who is watching at home, and everyone who is watching across the water, really understands that this is the very heartbeat of a nation.”
The final was broadcast not only in the north but also across Britain on BBC Two. The continuity announcer did not sound apologetic when introducing the delayed programme that followed the “dramatic” hurling final.
“I only came to my first one [hurling match] two years ago,” said Mr Nesbitt as he and the others were asked for their thoughts pre-match, at half time and before extra time.
“I met Neil McManus [player for the Antrim hurling team] and he invited me down to a semi-final between Galway and Limerick a couple of years ago.
“I come from Broughshane from a slightly different background.
“It wasn’t part of my culture, but I just thought, What a sport, what a game’. It’s astonishing and it’s the heartbeat of everyone. I can’t wait.”
He added: “That’s not to say there isn’t the most sensational sense of competition, but I’ve been to San Siro, I’ve been to the Nou Camp, I’ve been to Old Trafford, but the atmosphere is incredible.”
“Everyone is integrated, but there’s fierce competition. There’s no let-up at all.”
This was the first time an All-Ireland hurling final was broadcast across the BBC network in Britain.
