Tactical masterclass reveals Waterford had Clare well ‘taped’

There comes a time in most games when a little incident is the catalyst for the final shift in momentum for one team.

In Semple Stadium on Sunday, Clare had knocked over three points without reply in the second half. The lead was down to four and Waterford hadn’t scored for 11 minutes. Clare had possession with a sideline that was turned over. A little mistake. Then Austin Gleeson, whose six points and the timing of them were a crucial reason for victory, seized the day and cut a beauty over the bar.

A huge shift of momentum. Game over. Small things decide championship matches.