CLARE STAR PADRAIC Collins believes that the Banner County will need to raise green flags in the All-Ireland SHC final replay on 28 September.
Clare came up short yet again in the goal stakes in yesterday’s gripping stalemate – as Cork struck for three in the second half alone.
Clare registered 25 scores, compared to Cork’s 19, but were still left relying on Domhnall O’Donovan’s late, late equaliser to salvage a draw.
But Clare had their opportunities to net what would surely have proven a decisive goal.
Darach Honan had a groundstroke well saved by Anthony Nash in the first half and after half-time, Colin Ryan could have offloaded to an unmarked Conor McGrath following a marauding run through the middle.
And Collins himself had a chance when Cathal McInerney’s attempted point hit the crossbar with seven minutes of normal time remaining.
On the follow-up, Cratloe dynamo Collins attempted to boot the sliotar home but Nash was quickly off his line to eliminate the danger.
“I knew it was going to be a close game coming to the finish,” said Collins.
“Cork got goals and we missed goal chances. There were a few there. Cathal Mac hit a ball wide and it could have been passed in.
“Colin Ryan could have passed the ball across to Conor McGrath for a goal chance. And I myself had a one-on-one that I missed, that I should have scored.
“They took their [chances]. That’s the difference. Goals win games but fortunately they didn’t today.”
Collins added: “I went to kick it and it hit Anthony Nash then. I thought if I pulled on it that he’d have flicked it away.”
Brendan Bugler celebrates with Domhnall O’Donovan after his equaliser (INPHO/Cathal Noonan)
Collins revealed that he was in “shock” when Cork hit the front through Patrick Horgan in stoppage time.
He said: “I was in shock in the last minute when they were a point up. I was getting worried. When Domhnall O’Donovan turned up on the 45, I didn’t think it was going over the bar but he slapped it straight over the bar.
The second O’Donovan to get a last second point in Croke Park to save Clare’s bacon!
In 2009, Domhnall’s twin brother Cormac landed the winning point against Kilkenny in the Bord Gáis Energy All-Ireland U21 decider.
But Clare would not have needed Domhnall’s late intervention on Sunday had they managed to take one of those goal opportunities.
And Collins agreed: “Definitely. I think goals would have made a big difference, if we had got one at four points up we would have had a huge gap but we never brought it to that and they kept pulling it back.
If we had pushed on a bit I think we would have won.I think if we look back we did have goal chances, we just need to start taking them. We should have taken them today and we didn’t.
Next up for Collins and a host of his team-mates is next Saturday’s Bord Gáis Energy All-Ireland U21 final against Antrim at Semple Stadium.
And Collins, 21, has no issue with playing another final within a week.
He explained: “We’re playing hurling and football with the club, rolls week-in, week out.
“I’m delighted to have matches instead of training. It’s a lot better, no bother at all. We’re’ looking forward to playing Antrim next Saturday.”
