Clare's Ian Galvin heads goalward vs Tipperary - Pic courtesy of Gerard O'Neill;Clare Echo
Clare have named their side to go toe-to-toe with Cork in the final round of the Munster Senior Hurling Championship at SuperValu Páirc Uí Chaoimh this Sunday afternoon.
With qualification for the All-Ireland series already secured, the Banner know that a victory over a thus far unbeaten Cork side would draw the counties level on points and potentially bring Brian Lohan’s men into contention for a place in the Munster Final.
Clare’s campaign to date has brought mixed fortunes, but last Saturday evening’s robust win over Tipperary in Thurles represented a timely and spirited response that thrusts them firmly back into the championship picture. Brian Lohan rang the changes for that Round Three encounter and every move proved inspired. He retains much of the same personnel once again this weekend.
David McInerney is again selected in the full-back line, while a resurgent John Conlon continues at centre-back after an influential display in Thurles.
There is no place in the starting fifteen for Mark Rodgers following the heavy knock he sustained early on against Tipperary and the Scariff man’s absence will undoubtedly be felt. Also withdrawn is Ryan Taylor who epitomised so much of Clare’s energy and work-rate in Thurles. An injury sustained during the closing quarter will see the Clooney Quin play no part in Sunday’s tie.
One of the most encouraging aspects of Clare’s two championship victories so far however has been the growing options within the squad and the unpredictability surrounding who will emerge as the key figure on any given day.
A fitting example is Ian Galvin’s introduction in place of Rodgers on Saturday evening which did little to diminish Clare’s attacking threat. The Clonlara man helped himself to 1-02 in an excellent cameo display that has deservedly earned him a starting berth for this Sunday’s showdown. His club-mate and debutant Diarmuid Stritch produced a scintillating man-of-the-match display last time out, while Sean Rynne also impressed in Semple Stadium with 0-04 from play. Broadford’s Niall O’Farrell meanwhile continues to establish himself impressively in the half-back line and has shown no hesitation in driving forward to contribute to the scoreboard if the chance presents itself.
As a result, the perception that Clare are overly dependent on ‘the old guard’ of players such as Kelly, O’Donnell, Duggan et al. no longer appears as pronounced. In both of Clare’s championship wins so far, younger, emerging players such as the aforementioned three added with Darragh Lohan and Shane Meehan have stepped forward to share the responsibility. The Banner dug-out will be hoping for more of the same on Sunday.
Elsewhere, there is also a starting return for Inagh-Kilnamona’s David Fitzgerald, who continues his comeback from injury and adds plenty of energy and experience to the Banner attack.
The trip to Leeside presents an entirely different challenge for Clare. The triumph in Thurles undoubtedly lifted the pressure surrounding the group and satisfied some of the hunger that stemmed from the chastening defeat to neighbours Limerick two weeks earlier. Against Tipperary, that ‘backs to the wall’ mentality meant Clare had no choice but to impose themselves physically from the throw in, but Cork under Ben O’Connor have thus far shown little vulnerability in that department while also carrying serious pace and directness in attack.
The key question now is whether Clare can continue to uncover a new edge every time they take to the field. Their response so far has been admirable and as a result the Banner are back in the mix. Sunday’s encounter with the Rebels will demand another step up if Clare are to topple the province’s form side and keep alive hopes of a Munster Final appearance.
