Cork refuse to lose

Cork 0-16 Clare 0-15

It may have been directed at Gardiner himself, outstanding when shifted to centre-back. More likely, though, it was a collective vote of confidence in All-Ireland champions who don't succumb to underdogs. They bite back.

If ever a side was under the cosh, if ever a team was backed into a corner, it was the Rebels in yesterday's All-Ireland SHC semi-final, as a magnificent Clare fifteen took the fight to them, rocked them back on their heels.