In 2006 Cork launched an all-out assault on capturing a third consecutive All-Ireland title. Allen's side got off to a good start by retaining their Munster title following a win over Tipperary. Further victories saw Cork reach a fourth successive championship decider. Kilkenny, Cork's archrivals, provided the opposition once again. It was a repeat of 2004 when Kilkenny were going for three wins in-a-row, however, Cork stopped them. On this occasion the tables were turned as Kilkenny halted Cork's bid for a three in-a-row, defeating them by 1–16 to 1–13. Shortly after his first defeat in ten championship games Allen announced, after much speculation, that he was not seeking another term as Cork manager.