Clare mislay first principles in splendid Páirc Uí Chaoimh Nua

Clare released the pressure by taking the wrong options when Tipp were vulnerable, writes Donal O’Grady.

I hadn’t seen the inside of Páirc Uí Chaoimh Nua until Saturday last, before the Tipp and Clare game. It is very impressive. Croke Park lite, but not that lite. The stewards were very courteous, relaxed and welcoming and everyone was in the best of humour. All those concerned with the organisation of Saturday’s game, or with the planning and construction of the new stadium, should be very proud. As a famous Corkman might say, ”all credit to those involved”.

The Páirc Nua bears no resemblance to the former stadium, as that stadium bore no resemblance to the ground that it replaced. I have often viewed games from the terrace to the right of the Blackrock end goal. It was always a great vantage point to assess the attacking and defensive qualities on show. I was there on Saturday to take in some of the minor game. The steps are now higher and the view was superb, as it was from the media area and the main stand.