Banner can also find another level
In the drawn game Cork conceded 25 points, Clare 3-16, which suggests that neither defence was on top. And it begs the question, is defence a priority for either side? Is it always just about attack?
There were many examples in the first game but probably the best of all was the equalising point by Domhnall O’Donovan. Where was the marking? Apart from one or two guys on both sides, all the great catching and everything else, I wasn’t really very impressed by the defending on show. The problem now is the backs all seem to want to do what O’Donovan did and go forward to score the great point, but what about their first duty, to mark their man and keep the scoreline down?
It’s not just Clare and Cork either, I think defending in general has become very loose. That’s because of the new philosophy where every player is a defender when the other team has the ball, every player an attacker when your side has the ball. The problem is most teams seem to have adopted the second part of that equation far better than the first!
Look at the game. Almost everyone seems to believe Cork can’t play as badly again and will definitely improve. But when you examine it closely Clare made a lot of mistakes too and also have plenty of room for improvement.
Both teams had the game won but failed to hold on, Clare five points up with 15 minutes to go but brought back by Cork, who then went a point ahead well into injury-time before conceding that last-gasp score. Not a good sign for either team.
It was a very open game and apart from a bit of bumping of Anthony Nash coming forward to take his 20m frees and penalty, it wasn’t all that physical. I think this one is going to be different and will be far more ‘in your face’.
Cork especially were far too easily put out of the game the last day with Conor Lehane, Pa Cronin, Jamie Coughlan all pushed off the ball. Cian McCarthy has been brought in and I don’t think he’s going to be thrown around. It’s a sign that Cork are going to have a bit more fight in them now.
I’m looking forward to Cian’s battle with Conor Ryan. Another battle to look forward to (presuming Ryan doesn’t pick up Harnedy again) is Seamus Harnedy against Brendan Bugler — and that’s what Cork have to do, get the match-ups they want as opposed to allowing Clare dictate.
I’ve been looking at this Cork team for a while and I’ve noticed several of their players are great when they’re cycling downhill, able to freewheel, but when they’re going uphill and the wind is in their faces they’re not so good. I hesitate to criticise Patrick Horgan in that respect, a brilliant player and the lead point he got for Cork in injury-time was a mark of that, but well as he’s playing he’s got to get even more involved. He’s one of those players who every time he gets the ball he can make something happen.
One guy though, who does have to really step up his game is the Cork captain Pa Cronin. He was poor in the final and semi-final, giving away the kinds of frees a frustrated forward concedes. He has got to get his game together and start leading by example.
For Clare, up front Conor McGrath is working very hard but he’s taking too much out of the ball and must improve his scoring. Darach Honan and John Conlon (better centrally) too can add more to the scoreboard, while we all know there’s more in Colm Galvin.
I’m wondering if Darach will start and wouldn’t be surprised if he was held in reserve this time, a late change made with Cathal McInerney or Shane O’Donnell starting.
If Darach does play, will he be full-forward? Personally I’d play him further out, on the wing where his height and pace would cause problems. Tony Kelly will again be the main man but can Cork mark him this time? Will he even start at centre-forward? Will Cork be as loose again? Will they get their match-ups right this time? Will Stephen McDonnell be picking up Podge Collins? Will Clare test this Cork full-back line in the air?
A lot of questions but biggest question is who’s going to win? I believe there will be massive improvement in Cork but it will be matched by Clare. I went for Clare the first day, I’m doing so again, but this time I’d be a little more wary.
Final word: All this talk about Anthony Nash and the 20m frees, does anyone remember how far Declan Ryan used to throw it? I’m told that even back in the ’50s Christy Ring used to do it. It’s nonsense with far too much being made of it. If Clare get a 20m free, can’t Pa Kelly come forward and do the same thing? If you don’t want to see it happen then don’t concede a 20m free.
