Seánie McGrath: When the Clare juggernaut arrived, Cork lacked game management

The outstanding positive for Cork after Sunday's draw with Clare was that first half. It was arguably the most impressive 35 minutes of hurling from the Rebels under Pat Ryan's watch.

When Peter Duggan started to dominate for Clare, it was curious to not see Damien Cahalane introduced. Pic: Brendan Moran/Sportsfile

You couldn’t but be fascinated by the championship effect on counties struggling for form. That ability to flick a switch and transform yourself from the very recent and very poor spring version. Call it positive psychology, call it mental strength, call it whatever you want. Irrespective of the correct terminology, that championship effect played out spectacularly at Ennis and Thurles on Sunday afternoon.

The gap from League to Championship is all the time shrinking. There’s no long break as in my time. One competition now flows into the other. The time to address and correct spring failings is significantly reduced.