Tipperary legend lays down a challenge to champions ahead of title retention in 2026!

Lar Corbett’s playing days with Tipperary are forever linked with his clashes against Kilkenny in a golden era for hurling.

Widely regarded as one of the top forwards of his generation, Corbett featured in four All-Ireland finals against the Cats between 2009 and 2011, and once more in 2014. Today, he’s still lining up with some of those familiar faces as part of the Tipperary Masters team.

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The Masters competition has brought further success to the Premier County, with Corbett, Eoin Kelly, and Shane McGrath helping the side capture consecutive All-Ireland titles, the latest coming with a win over Wexford earlier this year.

But for Corbett, there is one fixture that would really capture the imagination: a reunion with Kilkenny’s legends at the Masters level.

Speaking to RTÉ Radio 1’s Morning Ireland while attending the National Ploughing Championships in Screggan, the Thurles Sarsfields clubman issued a lively challenge to his old rivals.

“The Masters this year was fantastic,” he said, before suggesting that another Tipp–Kilkenny showdown would be a huge boost for the competition.

Corbett also reflected on what has been a landmark year for Tipperary hurling at all grades. Alongside the Masters and U20 success, the county celebrated a famous All-Ireland senior triumph; their first in six years.

“It was unreal, because no one saw it coming,” Corbett told RTÉ. “Anyone who said they did see it coming, I don’t know if they’re telling the truth. The few weeks before it, the few weeks after it, it has given Tipperary hurling a huge lift.

“You have to give it to Liam Cahill and his players. They were the only guys who really believed. You only get a short time to enjoy it though, first round next year, Tipp and Cork in Thurles.”

With 2025 shaping up to be another massive season, the prospect of both the county’s senior stars and Corbett’s Masters cohort continuing their rivalries ensures plenty of intrigue for Tipperary supporters.

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