Fascinating tactical battle between Limerick and Clare beckons
Limerick’s Declan Hannon, picked at full-forward will go head-to-head with David McInerney although it’s seldom two U-21s mark each other in these key positions. Both are tall, quick and good under the high ball but the quality of the deliveries and movement inside will be crucial.
It’s similar at the other end. In a two-man forward line, Clare’s Darach Honan’s height advantage could prove a handful for Tom Condon or Richie McCarthy. How effective they are will depend on dominance further outfield. If Limerick or Clare get time and space to pick out their full-forwards with good ball it will be next to impossible for their markers.
Unlike Honan who’s more effective close to goal, Hannon doesn’t spend all his time close in. He has the capacity to score from long range as well as having an eye for goal — as has Honan . Hannon operated in a double centre-forward role earlier in the championship against Tipp, with his marker following him out in an effort to curb the influence of their half backs.
Both full-back lines will hardly follow their men out tomorrow as they attempt to keep things tight. A clear winner in the duels in front of the square will give their side a huge advantage.
Clare’s Podge Collins was picked in some Allianz League games this year as an orthodox left corner forward. Still U-21 , he is very fast but small of stature. He wasn’t a total success operating exclusively in the tight confines of the corner where speedy corner-backs had an edge in physical strength. Now he is given licence to roam. He drops back to his half forward line, out to midfield and even back in defence and comes with supporting runs.
Collins covers the ground well and showed against Galway he is well capable of taking scores with four valuable points. He is an elusive runner and the angles of his runs from deep make him difficult to defend against.
Limerick manager John Allen stated during the week that they are well aware of the damage Collins can inflict and that they have plans to negate his influence. Limerick may put up the shutters in front of their centre-half back and crowd midfield rather than man-mark Collins.
This would force Clare to attack down the flanks, minimising the threat of goals. I’m expecting Limerick captain Donal O’Grady to station himself in front of Wayne McNamara with left half forward Seamus Hickey playing as an extra midfielder. James Ryan may also drop back, crowding midfield, cutting down space and making life difficult for the roaming Collins and Tony Kelly.
Limerick have stronger resources here. They are well served by experienced replacements from midfield up. Limerick have used tactical substitutions to close out games up to now.
Replacements are sprung almost to a formula. Shane Dowling is introduced 15 minutes or so into the second half and Kevin Downes and Niall Moran follow.
So far this trio have made positive contributions in the scoring department while Conor Alliss and Cathal King have also seen game time.
Clare haven’t got the same experience on their bench, apart from Fergal Lynch. Séadna Morey and Peter Duggan, likely to see some service, are both Under-21.
Confidence in the bench is a huge asset and John Allen is in the happy position of not having to replace defenders up to now.
It will be difficult for Clare to upset this Limerick replacement ploy. Pressurising the Treaty men from the start by forcing the pace, competing fiercely and forcing the Limerick management to make changes before they plan to is the only way.
Limerick come into this game as Munster champions, and hot favourites to beat the Banner. They’ll have huge support and if they build a head of steam they will be difficult to stop.
But favouritism brings its own pressures. If small things go wrong doubts can creep in and Clare have one big advantage. They have nothing to lose.
They can hurl with freedom. If Clare can keep the pressure on long enough uncertainty may creep in to Limerick’s play. A big if, but a local derby takes on a life of its own.
** My big wish for the game is that the man most under pressure referee Johnny Ryan does well.
