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5 talking points - Cork v Clare, Munster SHC semi-final

Cork finish powerfully and cope with injuries while Clare suffer setback as their attack endure mixed attacking fortunes.

1. Cork’s powerful finish to the game

When Cork met Clare in Division 1A of the hurling league in March, they slumped to a 1-22 to 1-16 defeat on home soil.

The game was defined by Clare’s second-half control after Cork at one juncture early in the second-half had lead by 0-14 to 0-8 before they were submerged by waves of Banner attacks.

When the teams renewed acquaintances in the relegation final in April at the Gaelic Grounds, Cork again lead at the break – this time by 0-11 to 0-7 – before being eventually defeated by 0-31 to 2-23 after extra-time.

In the interim period, Cork sought to improve their fitness levels with their players speaking openly before the game of the need to ensure they had as much in the tank as Clare come the finale.

Jimmy Barry-Murphy may have stated that there was too great a focus placed on Cork’s state of fitness but it was undeniable how striking the contrast between the sides conditioning levels looked to be in the second-half.

Cork were in explosive form as they reeled off the first eight points after the interval, outscored Clare by 0-15 to 0-7 in the second-half and produced the powerful finish that was crucial to their success.

2. Cork cope with injuries

The uncertainty over Cork’s pre-match prospects was largely traced to the loss of three key figures in Paudie O’Sullivan, Patrick Cronin and Lorcan McLoughlin. But they overcame those losses by sourcing dominant displays from the other players that stepped into the breach.

Daniel Kearney’s dynamism saw him lead the way at midfield and newcomer Seamus Harnedy was outstanding in the half-forward line. That supplemented the fact Patrick Horgan top-scored again while Luke O’Farrell, Conor Lehane and Jamie Coughlan all made valuable scoring contributions.

Cork’s panel now looks to be carrying greater depth.

Cork’s Seamus Harnedy celebrates scoring a point
Pic: INPHO/Cathal Noonan

3. Mixed fortunes for Clare’s attackers

Clare’s win over Waterford in the Munster quarter-final was assisted by superb showings by John Conlon and Tony Kelly. Yesterday Clare suffered with the early loss of Conlon through concussion while Kelly’s threat was notably curbed by Brian Murphy as he only got free to shoot over a single point from play.

With Conor McGrath and Colin Ryan both withdrawn before the finish, Clare were left to rely on Darach Honan – who lacked supply in the second half – and Padraic Collins, whose bustling and hard working style saw him break through for five points and emerge as his side’s best attacker.

But with Clare failing to find the net during their early period of dominance in the first-half and key attackers not impacting, their chances of glory were damaged.

4. The summer opens up before Cork

After the drain of players from their 2012 panel for a myriad of reasons and suffering relegation from Division 1A of the league this spring, Cork’s prospects suddenly look brighter after yesterday. They are back in a Munster final for the first time since 2010 and will seek their first title at that level since 2006.

They still have scope of improvement given the lack of a goal threat they displayed yesterday and their rocky opening to the game when Clare looked capable of cutting apart their defence at will. But as a starting point, this provides great reference for the rest of the summer and they are now at least guaranteed an All-Ireland quarter-final place.

5. Setback in Clare’s development

Davy Fitzgerald has been consistent in his message that his Clare team are continuing to learn and develop as they seek to translate their underage promise into something tangible at senior level.

Wins like last summer against Dublin and this month against Waterford boost confidence but defeats like last summer against Limerick and yesterday against Cork are central to their education process as well.

This was a big setback, particularly with the carrot of a Munster final place against Limerick at stake. The game illustrated the need to cope with increased pressure.

That can be in the shape of defenders harassed when in possession like Luke O’Farrell’s block down on Patrick Donnellan in the second-half that yielded a point-scoring chance for Jamie Coughlan or when Conor McGrath was closed down as he stole in on goal in the first-half.

The road to recovery starts on Saturday week and the draw has at least been kind to them with home advantage against Laois a more attractive proposition than facing Kilkenny or Dublin.

Clare’s Padraic Collins reacts after missing a goal scoring chance
Pic: INPHO/Cathal Noonan

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