HOGGY'S AIMING FOR MORE NOW

PATRICK Horgan admits there were times when he feared his chances of winning a national title had gone.

- BY GARRY DOYLE

The Cork veteran finally won his first national title two weeks ago when Cork landed their first League crown since 1998.

Now they aim to double up with an All-Ireland - 20 years after Liam MacCarthy last travelled to the banks of the Lee.

Horgan said: "Yeah, well, I often thought (that there was a hex against him in finals). If happiness was defined by winning at those stages, I wouldn't be too happy.

"But, yeah, along the way in my hurling career, there were a lot of good things happening, a lot of good days out. And you saw that last year, with the crowds that followed our team and the excitement that brought to people, that was great.

"And, you know, it was the same support again this year in the League final.

"We've probably the best supporters in any sport in Ireland. There's no team being followed, I'd say, like we are. So we're absolutely thankful for that. And hopefully it continues. And they do make a difference, to be fair."

One supporter got pictured with Horgan on the pitch afterwards - his son, Jack.