Anthony Daly: Risk gone from Cork-Clare but subplots can ignite freedom fight

The natural assumption now is that Cork-Clare will be a watered-down match but I honestly don’t think so. If anything, it could be the opposite.

Clare's David Fitzgerald gets an opportunity against Cork to show the form he's been searching for since 2024. Pic: Brendan Moran/Sportsfile

Working in a pub is a great gauge of the public mood of a county on championship week. And the loyal crowd from around us in west Clare have been hopping with excitement and good vibes since last Saturday’s impressive win against Tipperary.

Was there as much jingoism around the place as the week progressed with a trip to Cork in mind to take on our old buddies by the Lee? I’m not sure. Of course the place is still buzzing but the fact that Clare have already qualified out of Munster has certainly siphoned some of the excitement and anticipation out of this match when it’s not a do-or-die game.