Munster SHC: Positives and negatives after Cork's draw with Clare
Cork's Brian Hayes and Declan Dalton after the draw against Clare on Sunday. Picture: Eddie O'Hare
Cork’s trip to Zimmer Biomet Páirc Chíosóg came with so much promise. The end result was far from what the travelling Cork faithful would have hoped for.
Cork had it and threw it away. Then they salvaged parity at the death. Mixed emotions, plenty of positives, plenty of negatives.
The goal threat was there again, even if many of us were expecting (or hoping) to see more from Cork. Running from either flank and through the middle brought chances. If Cork can replicate that against Tipperary with a little more conviction, Liam Cahill’s men will be in for a tough test.
It’s now 10 competitive games in a row where Pat Ryan’s side have found the back of the net at least once.
Championship games come down to fine margins. Cork usually tend to keep their cool, though they were caught out last year against Waterford and Clare, then again last weekend. Shane Barrett’s red card was a mistake that could have been easily avoided.
A mistake that likely cost Cork the win.
The performances of the substitutes was a particularly encouraging element. One that Cork can carry with them for the rest of the season.
Ger Millerick was a calming presence at the back when he came in. Declan Dalton put in a stellar shift and it’s incredible to have a player of his calibre coming off the bench. Brian Roche showed flashes, Diarmuid Healy is sure to get more involvement. Ryan and his management have options. Possibly too many – but that’s not something they’ll complain about.
curse The wait for a championship win Ennis goes on. Frustrating, if nothing else. The sample size may be small but it’s a hurdle that Cork really need to overcome.
Gut wrenching too given how close they were to achieving that on Sunday.
Highlighted in yesterday’s paper – but Patrick Collins’ did a lot right with his restarts. His timing and overall distribution was much improved. It allowed Cork to take the game to Clare especially when they were in trouble. Credit too must go to Darragh Fitzgibbon, Mark Coleman and Ethan Twomey. The three used the width well and gave Collins the option.
That width yielded plenty of scores.
fragility Worsened when Rob Downey departed, but Clare were let through far too easily at times. David Reidy got away too easily for his goal, Peter Duggan was a menace in the air. Tony Kelly found joy in the latter half. Too often Cork were caught coming out with possession in the second half and paid the price.
This team have come a long way in the last couple of years. They’re not Limerick just yet, but they will be a feared opposition for 2025. A team who have really grown as time has gone on and look far more comfortable in high pressure situations. That was the case in the first half, and at the death when they needed it most.
injury Cork have some great players. They have many more in reserve if needs be. Some are irreplaceable. Rob Downey is one of those.
His absence quickly became obvious and the Banner took advantage.
Patrick Horgan and the fact he’s still going strong comes up every year.
Will this be the year he finally slows down? Try again next year. Two points from play, five frees, a number of good possessions and frees won – he also played a huge role in the second goal.
There’s something about Horgan’s presence. Cork simply can’t do it without him.
Cork managed the occasion and atmosphere well. But at times in the second half they lost their focus. Poor wides, questionable shot attempts and Eoin Downey throwing the sliotar up and catching it again for an easy Clare free – moments that make a challenging task oh so difficult.
Again, lessons to be learned. But with the way this team have developed over the last two seasons, they will learn.
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