Rebels likely to take care of business

It would be completely unfair on Clare to suggest the survival of the open draw rests on their shoulders. That being said, it’s what happens on the pitch — and not in the stand — that should dictate such debates.

However, with the Munster Council pointing out to counties that Kerry-Cork Munster finals mean more money for them, the almighty dollar may have the final say when a decision is made on the provincial structure in the next month or two.

So there is a possibility that this might just be the last non Cork-Kerry Munster final we’re going to see for awhile.

Tomorrow was already a big deal for Clare football. Even if they are expected to be beaten comprehensively, reaching a Munster final is as familiar to them as a sighting of a shooting star.

Cork will have done their homework, though. Unlike other provinces, Munster’s footballers took the inter-provincial series seriously this year.

The training sessions in Mallow, as well as the couple of games gave Rebel County selector Ger O’Sullivan some valuable insight into Clare’s leading lights, David Tubridy and Gary Brennan.

Silence the pair and there’s a fair chance Cork will have as easy a ride as people are inclined to believe they will enjoy here.

Like team-mate Rory Donnelly, Tubridy is a quality forward and, as seen against Leinster and Ulster in February, can hurt teams if given enough artillery to shoot at teams.

It was his two late scores that saw Clare survive Limerick’s late comeback in the semi-final and Michael Shields is likely to be handed the duty of shutting him out.

Brennan in midfield is an excellent fielder of the ball and will give Aidan Walsh and Alan O’Connor plenty to think about. He will be key in ensuring Clare retain enough primary ball to make a fist of it whilst depriving Cork from feeding their excellent inside forwards.

Clare will have used the four weeks since the win over Limerick to try and stabilise their full and half-back lines which were under serious pressure in the closing stages of that game.

A sweeper is highly advisable given the amount of territory and possession Cork are likely to have.

Cork, as they have shown in their last two games, against Mayo in the league final and Kerry in the semi-final, will make things physical if needs be and have few peers in that regard.

Conor Counihan doesn’t want as much as need a performance from his charges in the Gaelic Grounds.

This is likely to be their only game in eight weeks and it’s got to count for at least something.

That something can only be ruthlessness.

Clare’s conditioning is quickly improving under the guidance of Micheál Cahill but what they’re coming up against tomorrow is well-oiled and a few more years down the line of development.

Are Cork in a no-win situation? No. This is about taking care of business and a convincing win will display their professional ethic.

Verdict: Cork