Banner shortcomings are laid bare

I HEARD a lot of complaints in recent weeks from Clare and Limerick about being in Division 2; on the basis of what I saw in Ennis on Saturday, both counties were where they deserved to be this year.

It was a perfect evening for hurling, a fine crowd, but this was not Division 1 fare. At this stage of the season you’d expect teams to be nearly up to championship pace — neither side was, in the first half especially.

Fumbling in possession, poor shooting, no method to their play — it was all best illustrated by the second Limerick goal, a point attempt by Seamus Hickey that fell short. It should have been meat and drink to any keeper but instead was fumbled by Donal Touhy and ended in the net. That, for me, summed up this game.

I couldn’t understand the Clare starting selection. If Clare are to progress — and I’m not talking just about this year’s championship, I’m talking about Clare hurling — then how can they not start guys of the calibre of Darach Honan, James McInerney, Phillip Brennan, Gerry Quinn and, especially, Brendan Bugler? This guy had an outstanding year for UL, was one of their main men as they won the Fitzgibbon Cup, yet he can’t make this team. I’m baffled.

Even the use of the guys who did start was a cause of concern.

Diarmuid McMahon could have been brought to the half-forward line to win puck-outs, and either Jonathon Clancy and Colin Ryan taken off. Clancy, especially, wasn’t at the races on Saturday and when that happens the sideline should act quickly.

Enough on Clare, let’s go to Limerick.

Were it not for the circumstances of last year Limerick would not have been in Division 2 and, in fairness to them, they were down there for only one year. So, credit to Donal O’Grady and his selectors — this win will certainly boost confidence. But — and I’m sure they’ll know this themselves — they are far from the finished article.

As bad as Clare were on Saturday they could have won this game, but Limerick did come back, however, and fielded a side that was more experimental than Clare, especially in a young attack.

It was a good win for them and Limerick are back on the road again, one major goal achieved for this year.

Their supporters are happy, the players are happy, the county board are happy — would that I could say the same for Clare. The fear factor of facing Clare in Ennis is gone; the sooner it comes back, the better.