Flashback Friday - De La Salle v Clarinbridge final minute

Hurling season jolted into life

Without warning the 2011 hurling season was kick started in some style at Semple Stadium last Saturday. This wasn’t Tipperary v Kilkenny in a rematch of last year’s All Ireland instead this was De La Salle v Clarinbridge and two club teams reaching the peak of their powers.

The classic status immediately awarded to this game will be of little consolation to the Waterford champions who were cruelly denied in a remarkable conclusion that tied in appropriately with a rollercoaster game. No one could begrudge Clarinbridge their place in the March 17 decider however, with their stylish brand of hurling eventually winning out over De La Salle’s powerful outfit. Then we had the Kerins brothers rolling back the years to when their places on the Galway senior team was assured. Those days have passed but they displayed all their experience throughout the 80 minutes on Saturday evening. David Forde also utilised his inter county expertise to marshal the defence well from centre back. Barry Daly’s energy at midfield during normal time and Eoin Forde’s five point haul were other key factors.

An All Ireland medal again eludes John Mullane who supplied 11 points and used up everything he had for the De La Salle cause. At crucial stages they held the upper hand and recovered well from Mark Kerins’ two goals from placed balls. Heading into injury time in normal time and injury time in extra time they were ahead but still couldn’t get over the finish line. The half back trio of Phelan, Moran and Daniels all made their mark on the contest at different stages. In attack aside from Mullane, Jake Dillon made a thunderous start while Eoin Madigan’s towering presence and contribution of 1-3 left many wondering why he didn’t make the starting line up.

In Alan Kerins however Clarinbridge had a match winner that De La Salle couldn’t get a handle on. The former dual star began the game at full forward but as the game rolled on he drifted to the half forward line and eventually midfield. He scored six points from play in total, with five of those coming in the second half and extra time, but crafted many others. In a game of 53 scores, 38 of those from play, the Kerins factor edged the issue in favour of the maroon and white and brushed aside their 5/2 odds before the game.

The action at Wexford Park the following day didn’t even attempt to match the Saturday night Semple fever. Conditions played their part to spoil proceedings as they did all across the country. Waterford survived in the face of a gritty display from the home side smarting from their opening day woes. Maurice Shanahan, returning from suspension, made the match winning contribution of three late points to confirm that he will be in the mix come championship. Richie Foley struggled from placed balls including a penalty miss and since the Abbeyside man is unfamiliar with the responsibility of free taking it would be unreasonable to expect that he would continue his scoring sprees of recent weeks. In any case Shanahan was in reserve and the Lismore man is likely to take over the frees in the weeks to come.

Wexford changed half of the team that faced Galway and with the Oulart the Ballagh players back they were not going to roll over without a fight. Free taking also emerged as a problem for the Model county however and they will need an improvement in their scoring overall in the games to come. Davy will be pleased that again his young charges didn’t flinch. Stephen O’Keeffe made a solid league debut in goal, Pauric Mahony continues to impress at wing forward while Tomás Ryan improved on his Dublin display with two points to his name.

An unbeaten run of five games in 2011 continues but Dublin and Wexford only provider an early teaser for the bigger league challenges to come. Even Davy Fitzgerald will recognise that despite earning three points from four so far, the acid test of Tipperary in Thurles waits in round three and only then can a true assessment of his young side be made.

Weekend hurling and football previews

De La Salle v Clarinbridge

After the long winter break De La Salle’s club championship campaign swings back into action with a tricky assignment against Galway champions Clarinbridge this weekend. While the bookies make Michael Ryan’s men hot favourites Clarinbridge are familiar with upsetting Waterford opposition in this competition.

A look back to the 2002 All Ireland semi final will forewarn De La Salle. On that day Ballygunner came up to Thurles after claiming the Munster crown the previous winter only to come unstuck against a Clarinbridge side coming off the back of their first Galway county title.

De La Salle looked impressive in Munster coming through winter battles with Sarsfields and Thurles Sarsfields. At crucial periods in both games the momentum swung against Salle but they found all the answers to win by the minimum. It should stand them in good stead on Saturday because Clarinbridge don’t shirk a dogfight either.

In the county final against Loughrea they battled back from three points down late in the replay to force extra time. They eventually won out by 0-18 to 0-15. Goalkeeper Liam Donoghue, Alan Kerins, Mark Kerins and David Forde have all soldiered with the Galway seniors. Eoin Forde is an exciting young forward while Barry Daly at midfield starred in NUIG’s Fitzgibbon win last year. Their style of play involves sending low ball into the inside forward line. The Clarinbridge fitness levels are also very high and they tend to finish games strongly as a result.

De La Salle are an improved model on the side that last won Munster and should Kevin Moran command the centre as impressively as he did before the turn of the year they will have one foot in final. The defensive unit has been solid throughout the campaign with unsung heroes Darren Russell, Ian Flynn and Michael Doherty forming one of the strongest full back lines left in the competition. John Mullane’s accuracy from frees and play as always will dictate De La Salle’s final tally and he can’t afford his radar to misfire as it did against Sarsfields of Cork. Michael Ryan will also rely on his midfield pairing to put in a strong hour with Conan Watt and Dean Twomey surprising many in stepping up to the plate thus far.

The great imponderable however is how quickly both sides will reach the pitch of the game after being out of action since before Christmas. Little should separate them by close of play with De La Salle’s strength in defence and experience from two years ago edging out the Galway side.

AIB All Ireland Club Hurling Championship Semi Final
De La Salle v Clarinbridge
Throw in 3.45 at Semple Stadium
Referee: James McGrath (Westmeath)

Wexford v Waterford

Wexford were given a cold welcome back to Division 1 hurling last weekend and will look to this home game with Waterford as one to restore some pride. For Davy Fitzgerald’s men losing cannot be entertained as an option.

Colm Bonnar will hope to reintroduce some of the Oulart the Ballagh players after the massacre in Salthill. If Keith Rossiter, David Redmond and the Jacobs all line out on Sunday it will give a more experienced look to the team. The most disappointing aspect from last weekend was the mere six points Wexford produced and the absence of Diarmuid Lyng for the entire year is already being felt. A revamped forward line can be expected for Sunday. The one positive note came in the form of goalkeeper Niall Breen who pulled off three first half saves and prevented an even more embarrassing score line.

Davy Fitzgerald knows that his team cannot afford another sluggish start like last Sunday. It wasn’t until the latter part of the first half that Waterford really hit their stride. Newcomers Darragh Fives, Philip Mahony and Pauric Mahony should again receive the vote of confidence. Shane Fives is likely to take the full back slot after shoring up that area against the Dubs with Wayne Hutchinson another with strong claims for inclusion. In the forward line Tomás Ryan may lose out with Eamonn Murphy the man in position to profit. Maurice Shanahan may also come back into the picture after serving his suspension from the Waterford Crystal Cup.

Wexford are never overawed by any Waterford team and in the 2008 All Ireland quarter final they only came up short by a single point. They will also improve on last weekend’s showing in front of their home crowd and given a lift by the return of established players. It seems that they have too much ground to make up however and it would be surprising if Waterford went into the last ten minutes without a comfortable lead.

National Hurling League Division 1
Wexford v Waterford
Throw in 2.30 at Wexford Park
Referee: Johnny Ryan (Tipperary)

Waterford v Limerick

A must win fixture for both sides after unexpected opening day defeats to Wexford and Tipperary. Waterford and Limerick clashed on three occasions over the course of league and championship last year so familiarity should result in a close fought contest.

Waterford will be unhappy with the manner of their downfall to Wexford a fortnight ago. They collapsed before half time and although they rallied with two goals they conceded a worrying total of 4-11. They are still likely to be without Tony Grey, Liam O’Lionain and Gary Hurney, three of the driving forces behind last year’s promotion. Still the O’Gorman twins, Shane Briggs, Patrick Hurney and Tommy Prendergast are all available and John Owens will send out a team capable of causing plenty of problems for Maurice Horan’s visitors.

Limerick meanwhile suffered at the hands of Tipperary where a number of areas malfunctioned on the day. They were over reliant on Ger Collins in a forward line that featured John Galvin at full forward. In a poor quality game Tipp proved the more cohesive unit and won by 0-10 to 0-6. Stephen Lucey and Stephen Kelly are both injury concerns ahead of this weekend’s game.

After the Shannonsiders’ disappointing outing last time out big performances will be expected from John Galvin, Ian Ryan and Ger Collins in particular. With all three of them on song Waterford will struggle to cope especially when the forward line is missing reliable scorers. Limerick’s aim is promotion from Division 3 and a win here should help them get back on track.

National Football League Division 3
Waterford v Limerick
Throw in 2.30 at Fraher Field
Referee: Michael Collins (Cork)

Flashback Friday - John Mullane v Cork 2003 Munster Final

A draw with benefits – Waterford v Dublin analysis

Supporters who picked Walsh Park ahead of Ireland v France on Sunday were rewarded richly with an exciting draw and the game of the weekend in Division One. In fact, given the heavy underfoot conditions that cut up consistently as the game progressed, the five goals and 35 points in the middle of February was a feast. Anthony Daly and Davy Fitzgerald both flirted with the prospect of an opening win but settling for a draw and picking up valuable pointers on the way proved the fairest conclusion.

The aforementioned rugby game however did visibly affect the attendance on the day.
Only 2,500 paid in to Walsh Park and other disappointing figures were replicated across the country. Coffers will be further hit by the reduction of admission prices to 13 euro for 2011. A former Waterford hurler, whom I spoke to before the game, proposed a simple solution to the issue. In his view all the GAA needed to do was bring forward the throw in times to one o clock across all league fixtures. He argued that the casual follower would more than likely choose the home comfort of staying in front of the television when given the choice. The figures don’t lie; this was a battle the GAA lost.

In the game itself Dublin emerged from the blocks with the clear ambition of erasing last year’s drubbing. Conal Keaney looked like he was never away from inter county hurling with a powerful first half display at wing forward and good striking from placed balls to boot. Shane Ryan and John McCaffrey dominated the middle sector as Dublin threatened to put the game out of sight at an early stage. Anthony Daly clearly targeted the Waterford full back line as Liam Rushe wreaked havoc against Jerome Maher. The curse of the number three jersey returned as the Geraldines man was substituted at half time.

Waterford weathered the storm through a combination of two goals and some defensive readjustment. A bit of luck also favoured the home side with Richie Foley’s opening goal owing to the poor judgement of Dublin keeper Gary Maguire. Foley was a constant threat and provided the leadership to keep Waterford in the game when Dublin looked in command. He scored a total of 2-10 with 1-3 of that from play. His influence on proceedings merited the man of the match award and he is clearly building on his strong pre season form. Seamus Prendergast at full forward could also lay claim to playing a crucial part in the recovery. The tactic of directing ball in the Ardmore man’s direction proved a profitable outlet as he scored a goal, won the penalty and proved a nuisance to no fewer than three different markers. The defensive reshuffle involving Shane Fives’ move to full back and Wayne Hutchinson’s introduction on the wing also proved critical as it reduced the Dubs’ scoring rate in the second half.

That second period saw Anthony Daly’s side lose their way. As so often is the case with teams unfamiliar with success when they find themselves in front they struggle to close the deal. There was also the odd decision of taking Conal Keaney off the free taking with John McCaffrey unsuccessfully replacing him. It all resulted in a barren 25 minute spell broken by David O’Callaghan. The player known as Dotsy rescued his colleagues when they found the going toughest and no better example of this than his goal with ten minutes remaining. Trailing by five at the time O’Callaghan’s green flag inspired Dublin’s late fightback.

Daly’s frustration at surrendering an early advantage was obvious but the battling qualities of his charges and a tally of 2-19 on the road shows enough progress in the right direction. Packaging that on a consistent basis is the challenge and the return of the injury bound Ryan O’Dwyer, Maurice O’Brien and Alan McCrabbe will undoubtedly help their case as the year rolls on. The Keaney factor is already an obvious boost to their ambitions.

For Davy Fitzgerald a sluggish start is a worry but for the team to rebound in the second half and carve out a winning position must be encouraging. His faith in giving young players and those on fringes a fair chance of proving their worth was also repaid. Debutants Pauric Mahony and Darragh Fives, both minors last year, were the most impressive. Fives coped admirably with a lively Dublin forward division and he also supplied the second goal for Seamus Prendergast. Mahony also didn’t look out of place and took his two points from play with the confidence picked up during the Crystal Cup. At the other end of the scale Jerome Maher will look to get another chance this time in his more favoured corner back slot while Tomás Ryan looked low on confidence and sharpness at corner forward. His lack of involvement in UCC’s Fitzgibbon push doesn’t help his plight.

Plenty to work on and plenty to be encouraged by for both sides in preparation for round two. No better learning curve than Division One hurling.

Waterford right to be wary of Daly’s Dubs - Waterford v Dublin preview

Despite its status as the secondary competition, a National League title or even a final appearance for Waterford is proven to enhance their credentials come championship time. The 12/1 price currently offered however is a reflection of the likelihood of adding to their Crystal Cup title attained last weekend.

In the last decade Waterford reached two league finals in 2004 and 2007 and both years subsequently resulted in Munster titles. Arguably 2007 also presented Waterford’s best opportunity to claim the elusive Liam McCarthy Cup. A league final appearance in 1998 also reinvigorated hurling in the county and provided the base for the unforgettable years to follow. The reluctance to attack the league this year with the stated ambition of winning it and Davy Fitzgerald’s preference to rest experienced players to peak later in the year, leaves the impression that stability will suffice. In last year’s league Waterford won three games, drew two and lost two. That left them just outside the league final spots but in little relegation danger. A similar situation seems plausible this time around with Dublin first up on Sunday and a game not to be taken lightly.

After all three times in the last decade Waterford have suffered at the hands of the capital side in league action. The first of those bolts from the blue came on a Bank Holiday Monday in March 2002 at Parnell Park when Dublin emerged with a 1-19 to 1-14 win against Justin McCarthy’s side. Twelve months later Dublin repeated the dose this time at Fraher Field in Dungarvan. The away side played with a strong wind in the opening half and returned to the dressing room with a remarkable fifteen point lead (2-12 to 0-3). Goals from Ken McGrath and Dave Bennett in the second period couldn’t prevent another shock result this time by two points. Then in 2009, the day after Davy brought his team to see Bernard Dunne becoming world champion, Alan McCrabbe fired the winner in a 0-15 to 1-11 defeat.

Despite an injury pile up Davy will field close to half of the team that claimed last year’s Munster crown. That provides enough experience to guide Darragh Fives, Jerome Maher and Pauric Mahony who all earn starting places after effective showings in the Crystal Cup. Noel Connors, Shane Fives and Philip Mahony also return from Fitzgibbon duty to give a further injection to the team. Richie Foley who scored 2-39 in pre season will remain on free taking duty. Davy needs to defeat his former Clare team mate Anthony Daly and also defeat Wexford the following weekend to harbour realistic ambitions of a league final. Dates with Kilkenny, Tipperary, Cork and Galway follow thereafter so a positive start is essential.

Dublin fell flat in last year’s league and that subsequently led to a disappointing qualifier exit to Antrim. Daly will aim to hit the ground running similar to the 2009 campaign because confidence in a county looking to make a breakthrough can bring them over the line on big days. Momentum is already gathering pace from the Walsh Cup campaign and they will face Kilkenny in a final that was postponed last weekend. Missing from the cast on the Dublin side for Sunday are forwards David Treacy, Ryan O’Dwyer and 2009 All Star Alan McCrabbe. Despite this Conal Keaney has returned to the fold and with Ballyboden sharp shooter Paul Ryan, Simon Lambert who is part of the LIT Fitzgibbon set-up, Shane Ryan and David O’Callaghan the Dubs still possess threatening forwards. Daly can also pick a strong defence backed up by goalkeeper Gary Maguire who picked up Dublin club hurler of the year in 2010.

Dublin are always likely to cause at least one surprise result in the National League. Last year they caught Tipperary on the hop at Parnell Park. On Sunday however, the injury list on the Dublin team could affect them more than the home side and with Walsh Park also a difficult place to garner two points a Waterford win by a narrow margin looks the likely outcome.

National Hurling League Division 1
Waterford v Dublin 13/2/11
Throw in 2.30 at Walsh Park
Referee: Diarmuid Kirwan (Cork)

Flashback Friday - Waterford train station All Ireland semi final 2008 celebrations

Murphy shines as early silverware secured - Cork v Waterford analysis

Despite the strong wind and incessant rain that swept across Páirc Uí Rinn on Saturday, Waterford claimed the first silverware on offer in 2011 with a performance of many bright spots ahead of next weekend’s league opener against Dublin.

The win came in predictable fashion with Denis Walsh clearly putting a second string outfit into the fray. Proof of this was that the Cork first team played a challenge game against Clare later that evening. It will be difficult to leave out Conor Lehane however who shot seven outstanding points from play, three in the first half and four in the second. Aside from Lehane and Cian McCarthy however, they failed to match Waterford’s firepower. Richie Foley’s accuracy improved from a few first half misses and with the aid of a strong breeze in the second period victory was assured.

Eamonn’s Murphy contribution on his first competitive start in the senior side along with the emergence of other promising young players made the Crystal Cup campaign a worthwhile exercise. Murphy played at centre forward for the minor team in 2010 and scored 2-9 from play during the Munster championship. His fearless attitude, his willingness to take on his marker and accuracy during last year’s campaign clearly alerted Davy Fitzgerald and company. Murphy deputised for late injury victim Shane Walsh on Saturday and seized the call up at corner forward. Not only did he claim two first half points but his vision to pick out a colleague in a better position and his persistence to win possession caused endless difficulties for the Cork defence. He looks a solid bet to play some role in Sunday’s game at Walsh Park.

Indeed Murphy’s hunger and eagerness was noticeable in all of the new faces on show. Darragh Fives again put in a good seventy minute shift at corner back highlighted by a goal saving block on Eoghan Murphy in the second half. Pauric Mahony and Gavin Crotty both got on the score sheet but their appetite for work and unselfish play proved just as important. Chris Ryan and Seamus Hannon in the wing back positions encountered difficulties against Conor Lehane and Cian McCarthy but they responded to the challenge and can be satisfied with their displays.

The quality of ball delivered into the full forward line proved an effective tactic with the inside men scoring seven points between them. Seamus Prendergast in particular reaped the rewards of this approach. Prendergast looks to be in lean condition and at full forward he can cause his opponent headaches because even if he doesn’t score himself he will break ball for others or win frees. After a dip in form in recent seasons the Ardmore man looks ready to attack 2011.

The injury to Brian O’Halloran spoiled a good afternoon’s work. Davy Fitzgerald conceded after the game that the Clashmore forward could be out for four to five weeks. He joins a growing list of casualties with Declan Prendergast, Aiden Kearney, Liam Lawlor, Mark O’Brien, Eoin McGrath and Shane Walsh already on the sidelines. Tony Browne and Eoin Murphy return to training this week but are unlikely to see action against Dublin with Eoin Kelly and Ken McGrath also short of match sharpness.

All of these factors combined means the promise of the young players trialled during the successful Crystal campaign will now be put to the test of league action.

Flashback Friday - Liam O'Lionain v Limerick 2010

Weekend hurling and football previews

Cork v Waterford

While this weekend’s Crystal Cup final between Waterford and Cork will be scarcely recalled when September calls it bears an important learning curve for the fresh faces on show and also builds momentum for the upcoming National League.

Waterford have attacked the competition with a mix of young and old primarily due to injury with Eoin McGrath the latest to join the walking wounded. The Fitzgibbon Cup and De La Salle’s club commitments have also tightened the numbers. Cork meanwhile, are in full experimentation mode. Denis Walsh is using the Crystal to field a development side while the main protagonists prepare for the league to commence. A few weeks back he stated that only a handful of the development side would eventually make the league panel. Two different approaches but both sides find themselves pitted in the final.

The Waterford form guide reads two comebacks in two weeks with the escape in Sixmilebridge last time out of particular note. The team is likely to be picked along similar lines this week despite the return to training of Ken McGrath and Tony Browne. Chris Ryan and Gavin Crotty made a difference when introduced against Clare and could force their way into the reckoning for starting places. Richie Foley with 2-19 in the competition so far will remain the chief source of scores. Cork’s run to the final included an extra time win over UCC and a semi final triumph against UL. Players like Mark Ellis, Conor Lehane, Jamie Coughlan and Brian Hartnett are making strong claims for inclusion for their league opener against Offaly. Denis Walsh is likely to keep the faith with many of these charges at least for this weekend.

While the young Rebels have earned respect in recent weeks the more experienced polish in the Waterford ranks should be enough for them to overcome the trip to Pairc Ui Rinn and retain the Crystal trophy.

Waterford Crystal Final
Cork v Waterford 5/2/11
Throw in 2.00 at Pairc Ui Rinn

Wexford v Waterford

In 2008 Wexford emerged from the football wilderness to claim an All Ireland semi final place with an astute young manager in the shape of Jason Ryan and a confident team that defeated Armagh and Down en route to that semi final against Tyrone. Three years on, Jason Ryan is still in place but the landscape has changed as they face into a Division 3 campaign starting with Waterford on Sunday.

The Slaneysiders enter this year’s league with more negatives than positives after a troublesome pre season. Their O’Byrne Cup campaign ended with heavy defeats to DIT and Dublin respectively. Over the two games Wexford conceded a total of 8-28 and scored only 1-12. Mattie Forde also announced his retirement from the game last month. The ace forward who secured the GPA player of the year and an All Star award in 2004 was forced to call it a day due to a persistent back problem. Aside from the void left by Forde, Ryan could be without up to ten of last year’s panel due to retirement, work commitments, injury and emigration. PJ Banville, David Fogarty and Damien Carter are among the absentees.

The question is can Waterford benefit from Wexford’s misfortune? In the most competitive division of all a positive opening would quell the nerves and ease any early relegation fears. Unlike their South East neighbours John Owens enjoyed a pre season where he unearthed new players and where his team competed well in defeating Tipperary and losing narrowly to Clare. Fresh talent introduced like Paul Whyte, Joey Veale and Sean Fleming will all be seeking forward positions with Brian Phelan providing competition in midfield. This offsets somewhat the absence of key players for Sunday. Tony Grey and Liam Ó’Lionain are both ruled out due to injury while the retirement of Stephen Cunningham and emigration of Conor McGrath also lessens the options available.

This is not the same Wexford side that reached the last four of the All Ireland three short years ago. Despite possessing quality footballers like Redmond Barry and Ciarán Lyng, they are a side low on morale with a defence that can be sliced wide open. John Owens believes promotion from Division 3 is attainable for his side and with the home outfit filled with doubts Sunday provides the opportunity to prise two vital league points away from Wexford Park.

National Football League Division 3
Wexford v Waterford 6/2/11
Throw in 2.30 at Wexford Park

A comeback to warm cold hands – Clare v Waterford analysis

At half time on Sunday in Sixmilebridge the Waterford management team gathered outside the dressing rooms seeking a master plan to reverse their fortunes. After making a bright start they had shipped 2-7 in the last fifteen minutes of the half, stood eleven points behind and staring into an embarrassing defeat. To turn around that deficit into a one point win shows commendable character and spirit in Davy’s troops even if it is only freezing January fare.

It all looked rosy for the home side in the opening period. At centre field Nicky O’Connell and Domhnall O’Donavan mopped up everything and were ably backed up by James McInerney at centre half back. It all resulted in the Waterford forwards being starved of possession and Clare feasting at the other end. Waterford started well and used the ball intelligently but this short passing game broke down by the tail end of the half. A poor clearance from Frank McGrath was sent back with interest and it led to Cathal McInerney hitting the net. Clinton Hennessy will be disappointed he didn’t keep it out but the shot had enough power to beat him. The second goal resulted from Richie Foley getting blocked down in midfield and the delivery found the lively Cathal McInerney. His run through the middle split the defence and he passed right to Fergal Lynch who smashed it to the top corner. Clare were rampant at this stage with Conor McGrath living up to his billing as the Banner’s next big thing with some high quality score taking. To add insult Eoin McGrath found himself carried off with a suspected ankle injury.

So how did Davy turn the tide in Waterford’s favour? The most pressing concern at midfield was remedied with Richie Foley picking up Nicky O’Connell and Stephen Molumphy upping his level of performance from an anonymous opening half. Seamus Prendergast proved to be the next part of the master plan with his move to full forward and Brian O’Halloran shifting to number 11. Prendergast wreaked havoc against Cian Dillon scoring a point, setting up others for scores, earning the free that started Waterford’s comeback and also earning the free that resulted in victory. Shane Casey was another who stepped up and finished with a tidy contribution of 1-3. The star turn for the second week running however was Foley who again converted a vital 21 metre free to the net and his accuracy from placed balls (1-8 from frees and two 65s) as well as a booming second half score inspired those around him.

There were mixed results for the young players looking to make a breakthrough. Corner back Frank McGrath found himself under severe pressure in the first half with Chris Ryan introduced in his place at half time. The Mount Sion man lined up at wing back and put in a solid display alongside Shane O’Sullivan and Michael Walsh. Gavin Crotty benefitted from Eoin McGrath’s injury to get on the score sheet and also create problems in the Clare full back line. Brian O’Halloran and Pauric Mahony failed to score but showed glimpses of promise. Mahony started strongly catching a great puck out and delivering good ball into the corners. O’Halloran became more prominent in the second half but his pace would be of more use closer to goal. Jerome Maher grew into the role of full back as the game wore on in the absence of the injured Liam Lawlor.

All in all plenty to please Davy Fitzgerald ahead of the Crystal League Final against Cork next weekend which provides the ideal run in to the National League. This game also proves that an eleven point lead is nothing in hurling!