Time flies when you are having fun. No truer words uttered when you talk about this season’s Munster SHC campaign. Twists and turns throughout. Hawkeye Sidekick runs the rule over the final round of fixtures.
Cork
Last weekend’s sixteen point loss to Limerick was a shock. The manner of the performance, out field units second best all afternoon. Pat Ryan and his management team have needed to reassure and build confidence for this week’s crunch fixture against Waterford.
Team news required changes due to injuries to Declan Dalton, Robert Downey and Niall O’Leary. Ger Millerick, Cormac O’Brien and Seamus Harnedy get their opportunity to shine. Cork’s back line unit were exposed by Limerick’s movement and variation of attacking play. Limerick’s middle third run game devastating.
This weekend is about keeping a cool head and trusting the process. No margin for Cork this weekend. Cork will look to start on the front foot and look to put this game to bed early. Otherwise, the home support base will get nervous and create an uncomfortable atmosphere down the stretch. Hunger and resiliency are keys for this weekend’s performance.
Waterford
Waterford have no one to blame but themselves for being in this position. They secured a superb opening round home win to Clare but what has unfolded since has been a huge disappointment.
Poor team setup in both defense and attack ruthlessly exposed by both Limerick and Waterford. It is no coincidence that Cian Lynch and Andrew Ormond received man of match accolades in recent weeks. This happened because of the decision to drop Tadhg de Burca deep defensively.
Waterford management need an orthodox half-back this weekend. de Burca should be allowed to do what he does best and orchestrate deep defensively. Peter Queally and management also guilty of not devising a game plan for Dessie Hutchinson to shine. The ball distribution to the full forward line has lacked directness or clarity.
Management acknowledging the half-back need with this starting lineup. Daly, Fitzgerald can slot into the six jersey at different points. Waterford management hopes this contest is competitive until late in the game. This will allow them to bring on Hutchinson, Gleeson, and Bennett at critical moments. A risky gamble as Cork do start games typically impressively.
A big onus is on Michael Kiely to be an attacking leader on Sunday. His aerial presence and movement if given the right ball in early should cause Cork’s full back line problems. Patrick Fitzgerald gets his opportunity, expect Waterford to go two in the full forward line. Middle third bodies required.
Waterford need everything to go well to win this fixture. Goals will need to be scored. Three goals in three games is not a good form guide in that respect. Peter Queally and management team’s ability to setup this side is under the microscope. A loss here will prompt several standout Waterford players to call quits on their intercounty career. There is so much on the line for Waterford on Sunday.
Limerick
After an impressive round four outing against Cork last weekend, the focus turns to a meeting with local rivals Clare. A fixture where Limerick are assured of their provincial final appearance as Clare bow out of the championship.
Limerick were excellent last weekend. The middle third was incredible. The half-forward line movement and scoring rate on point throughout. Lynch orchestrating at will. Gillane potent in open play. The back line did not give Cork’s attack an opportunity to settle only conceding eight points from play.
Limerick management come into this weekend fixture with scope to rest key players. Squad players are given starting berths to stake their claim for further involvement in the championship.
The squad players coming into the lineup are high profile players which shows the depth chart at John Kiely’s disposal. Dowling, Murphy, Hannon, O’Donovan, O’Neill, Casey and Flanagan are excellent options to freshen the side up. Does these players impress and raise good questions for Limerick management to consider heading into later in the championship?
Clare
The last championship appearance of the season. Clare’s fate was sealed when both Tipperary and Limerick secured round four wins last weekend. Clare can have little complaint on their elimination. The season has unraveled with injuries to key personnel.
There have been sporadic moments of defiance. Their second half showings against Cork and Tipperary showing the potential of this side but there were too many flaws. Brian Lohan and management team need to step back and identify where improvements are required.
Man management improvements surely the top of this list. Aidan McCarthy’s saga was a low for the side who needed all their best players on the pitch for Tipperary. The defensive depth chart ripped apart. A local derby game against Limerick to restore pride to a disappointing campaign.
This lineup does nothing for Clare long-term. No pragmatism from Clare management to blood new defensive prospects in championship. The tried and trusted is persisted. What does this about the underage talent in the county? There is ample talent in Clare underage to make an impression in this panel.
Clare should deliver a performance of defiance but that is all. Life in Allianz Hurling League 1B will be a stark reminder early next year. It will show how disappointing this campaign has been. An early exit from the championship means experienced players will consider their futures. A transitional period could unfold with Clare next season to shore up the depth chart weak points from this year.
Predictions
Cork to have too much for Waterford early. Deise management setup under the microscope. Cork by five points.
Clare to restore pride with a narrow win over Limerick. The need is more for the Banner. Clare by two points.