Clare and Tipperary did not disappoint as the Munster SHC took another intriguing plot twist. The current reigning All Ireland SHC champions are on the verge of championship elimination.
Hawkeye Sidekick reflects on a fixture which has propelled Tipperary back into the provincial championship picture.
Clare defensive squad depth chart horribly exposed
Word from Ennis on the morning of the game indicated that John Conlon was unavailable for this contest. Defensive squad chart now stretched to breaking point with the absences of Diarmuid Ryan and Conor Cleary. Three key personnel from last year’s championship unavailable.
Clare management had a decision to make. Who to fill the half-back jersey? Rory Hayes looked the pick given his experience but Brian Lohan thought different. Daithi Lohan entrusted to shore up the middle of the defense with minimal game time in the jersey. It never looked convincing and Tipperary smelled blood in the water early. Quilligan goalkeeping heroics prevented a cricket score at the break.
What this fixture showed was that Clare management had no trust in their defensive bench options. Conor Leen was clearly injured and Tipperary exploited this early. Leen replaced by Hayes on nineteen minutes but the opening damage was done with the early Tipperary goals.
Tipperary management on point with team setup.
This win feels different for Tipperary. A win which provides evidence that this management and player group are capable of delivering standout championship performances.
The word ‘performance’ is the key. Tipperary in recent years have flattered to impress in opening day and then fallen away. Recent Tipperary teams would have accepted their fate after the round two Cork loss. Still, the mentality of the Tipperary group last night was incredibly strong.
Tipperary management were spot on in their starting lineup exposing a chaotic Clare starting lineup. Rhys Shelly provided composure in goals. Andrew Ormond (2-1) who impressed as a sub against Cork introduced from the start and reveled in Cusack Park.
John McGrath again mercurial with 2-3 and was instrumental in the closing exchanges. McGrath kept a cool head to slot over a point when a goal was again on. McGrath at full forward in full flow sensational.
The bench impact strong for Tipperary. Kenneally slotting home the insurance point late on. Work rate and intensity from the middle third replacements and defensive players.
Tipperary finished the game impressively strong after having to absorb a barrage of Clare scores. Mentality and that hunger to get over the line paramount. Tipperary’s hunger prevailed. This win achieved without Darragh McCarthy. A huge win for the Tipperary senior hurlers moving forward.
Any positives for Clare from this?
Minimal positives from the game if you are from Clare. Brian Lohan and management team have to accept responsibility for a incoherent defensive team lineup that started the contest. The match-ups defensively were poor and got what it deserved.
The second half response was rousing for Clare. Mark Rodgers assumed the free taking mantle. Rodgers reveled when others in the forward line unit struggled. His late goal in the opening half setup the comeback bid. His free taking excellent with thirteen placed balls.
Shane O’Donnell cameo was required. Clare’s season was on the line. O’Donnell excellent and won his first battle in the air winning a free. Tipperary struggling to contain the hurler of the year. Tony Kelly then warmed to the task (clearly not 100%) but missed passes for vital scores down the stretch crucial.
Clare’s energy level waned in the closing stages. This was completely understandable given the energy levels needed to haul themselves off the opening half canvas. Key players unavailable contributed to this loss but Brian Lohan and management should have identified successors for full and half-back.
The selections in these positions yesterday suggested chaotic thinking from the sideline. It has cost the side in all likelihood a tilt and defending their All Ireland crown.
If eliminated, this has been a poor campaign with 1A league relegation. Clare management and players will need to assess where this season has gone so horribly wrong. A poor title defense from Clare to be confirmed next weekend.
Tipperary and Waterford decides a top three berth
Brian Lohan was at pains to accept that Clare need massive result favors now. Clare will renew local acquaintances with Limerick in two weeks but will they have anything to play for then?
Next weekend, Tipperary (3 pts) and Waterford on (2 pts) can secure a top three berth in the Munster SHC. They can earn passage to the All Ireland series with a result next weekend. A massive opportunity for both sides to continue hurling into June.
Waterford has a two week break. They will be rejuvenated. The team is looking to redeem themselves after the round two loss to Limerick. Peter Queally should have a full hand to pick from. Liam Cahill will need to rotate the starting lineup given the hamstring injury to Alan Tynan late on.
Tipperary though know that this home game will define their season and a potential Munster SHC final appearance. Expect fireworks in Thurles before the Limerick vs. Cork fixture! Yet another immense Munster SHC campaign round beckons.
Tipperary focus areas
The attacking movement and goal chances created was impressive for Tipperary. The focus area is the free count. Mark Rodgers with thirteen frees scored last night will focus the mind. Tony Kelly’s penalty (some will say it was soft) another disciplinary issue.
The third quarter was all Clare last night. Tipperary, to their credit, produced a strong closing to secure the win. Better defensive sides do not give Tipperary the space and goals to start a championship game. Waterford with their middle third pace will test Tipperary next weekend.
Liam Cahill will have Darragh McCarthy to return to the lineup but the forward line unit delivered a strong performance. Darragh Stakelum should slot into the midfield area and will need to deliver a performance against Jamie Barron. Plenty for Tipperary to focus on ahead of next weekend.
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