Hurling Tactics: What will Limerick learn from Ennis?

Limerick had 14 fewer scores against Clare this year than when the sides met two years ago? What changed and how will Kiely and Kinnerk fix it? 

Tony Kelly of Clare is tackled by Diarmaid Byrnes of Limerick during the Munster GAA Hurling Senior Championship Round 4 match between Clare and Limerick at Cusack Park in Ennis, Clare. Picture: John Sheridan/Sportsfile

In 2020, Clare played the Munster semi-final against Limerick in Semple Stadium and were given a 10-point trimming. Two years later they faced the same opponents in Ennis and played out a draw. Limerick had 14 players involved in both games, Clare had 12, so what has changed so much to narrow that gap in two years?

The biggest difference was the atmosphere. Ennis was a cauldron with passionate fans roaring on each physical contest, compared with the dreadful silence of the Covid-era game in 2020.