Among the pundits , there seems to be a degree of uncertainty about exactly where Clare stand heading into Saturday evening's All-Ireland quarter-final showdown with Dublin at FBD Semple Stadium. The Banner's championship campaign to date has been a mixture of encouraging highs and frustrating lows, leaving as many questions as answers as the business end of the season arrives.
There were certainly positives in the opening-round victory over Waterford. We looked sharp, direct and dangerous in attack, although some defensive vulnerabilities caused concern. Still, two points on the board represented a solid start. What followed against Limerick, however, was a sobering setback. On home soil, Clare were second best to our rivals who brought the championship intensity and edge that we as hosts struggled to find.
Brian Lohan's men certainly responded impressively in Thurles where they showed appetite and character to overcome Tipperary and keep their campaign firmly on track. Yet any momentum gained that afternoon was stalled again in Páirc Uí Chaoimh, where a flat and leggy Clare performance allowed Cork to dictate the contest from start to finish.
And so, Clare arrive back in Thurles this weekend without any great wave of momentum behind us, but equally perhaps without any sense of crisis. In truth, we are probably exactly where many supporters would have expected us to be before a ball was thrown in this summer — one game away from an All-Ireland semi-final - potentially a fourth in five seasons.
Injuries to Ryan Taylor and Mark Rodgers during the victory over Tipperary were keenly felt against Cork. Their absence robbed Clare of energy, direct running and a significant scoring threat. Should both men return, Clare undoubtedly possess the personnel to produce a much-improved display.
Perhaps that is the biggest question facing the Banner this weekend. Have the changes and experimentation left the side unsettled, or are Clare simply on the verge of discovering the right blend at exactly the right time?
At this juncture of the season it will be needed. Dublin will be dangerous as they have had their own issues to address. A very impressive Leinster campaign deflated on a disappointing note as Galway dominated the provincial final. Niall Ó Ceallacháin's side will arrive in Thurles determined to respond, and they will need little reminding that Clare inflicted two defeats on them to bookend last Spring's league campaign. Both teams enter this quarter-final looking for a kick-back.
Clare, who announce their team tomorrow morning have gone quietly about their preparations since the Cork defeat and perhaps that is no bad thing. At our best, we have personnel capable of competing with any team in the country. The difficulty is that we have not seen enough of that level consistently throughout this year’s championship. Saturday evening is the fresh start to find it again.
Throw in on Saturday at FBD Semple Stadium is at 7:00pm and tickets are available at all selected Centra and SuperValu stores as well as online at https://www.ticketmaster.ie/event/180064C8E5BDB157
Best of luck lads !
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