WHEN CORK AND Clare meet in the All-Ireland SHC final this weekend, the two sides will be very familiar with each other.

Indeed, Sunday’s game marks the fifth occasion the Rebels and Banner have gone head-to-head this year with Clare winning three to Cork’s one.

Here is how those four games played out:

Clare 0-20 – Cork 2-11, Waterford Crystal Cup semi final, February 1

Perhaps the oddest game on the list, many of Cork’s players didn’t manage to make the start of the game and some, including Stephen Moylan and Conor O’Sullivan, only turned up at half time, despite throw-in being moved from 7.45pm to 8.30pm as the result of a fuel spill on the M18.

With less than ideal preparations, Clare record a three point victory thanks to late scores from Cathal O’Connell and Colin Ryan.

Clare 1-22 – Cork 1-16, Allianz Hurling League Division 1A, March 16

Cork’s Paudie O’Sullivan is chased by Patrick O’Connor of Clare during their league clash in March.
Image: INPHO/Donall Farmer

A brilliant spell of hurling – that saw Clare score ten unanswered points in 12 second half minutes – was enough to give Davy Fitzgerald’s men the win at Páirc Uí Rinn. Cork had led by five points ten minutes into the second half but the flawless free-taking of Colin Ryan and Shane O’Donnel’s 63rd minute goal proved the difference for the Banner men.

Clare 0-31 – Cork 2-23, Allianz Hurling League Division 1A Relegation Playoff, April 14

Clare manager Davy Fitzgerald celebrates at the final whistle as Clare win their relegation battle with Cork.
Image: INPHO/Lorraine O’Sullivan

Clare made it three wins from three as they defeated Cork by two points in a dramatic relegation final at the Gaelic Grounds in Limerick. Jimmy Barry-Murphy’s men looked to have avoided dropping to Division 1B when Pa Cronin scored Cork’s second goal of the game to give the Rebels a 2-17 to 0-21 lead in the 68th minute.

However, two late scores from Tony Kelly gave the Banner momentum going into extra time and they held on to secure their Division 1A status for another year.

Cork 0-23 – Clare 0-15, Munster SHC semi final, June 23

Pa Horgan celebrates finally getting a win over Clare in 2013.
Image: INPHO/Cathal Noonan

Cork finally ended their 2013 losing streak against Clare with a comprehensive eight-point victory in the Munster championship semi final. Trailing by three points at the break, the Rebels rattled off eight points on the trot and it wasn’t until the 52nd minute that Clare registered their first point of the second half.

Pa Horgan was the star of the show for Cork that day, his eight points (5f) helping his side into a Munster final decider with Limerick.

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