Seánie McGrath: Clare have been disrespected which should make Cork wary

It is so unusual to see All-Ireland champions as low as third favourites to go the distance again.

Brian Hayes of Cork in action against Clare in the Allianz League. Pic: ©INPHO/James Lawlor

I made an early spin to Ennis last week. The Banner juvenile club was having a fundraising night and I got asked to sit in the away chair. Some red confidence in a room full of already-needled locals.

So obvious from the on-stage discussion and chatting to various different people afterward was the collective vexation that their team hasn’t been afforded due recognition for winning a brilliant All-Ireland last July. They were vehement that this Clare team deserves more respect than it has and continues to be shown.