Three routes to Clare survival in Munster SHC

Clare are bottom of the Munster round-robin after three matches. But all is not lost.

Darragh Lohan of Clare as the final whistle is blown to end the Munster GAA Hurling Senior Championship Round 3 match between Clare and Tipperary at Zimmer Biomet Páirc Chíosóg in Ennis, Clare. Photo by Ray McManus/Sportsfile

James Owens’ final whistle hadn’t long sounded when the Munster round-robin table came under significant scrutiny to identify the snakes and ladders scenarios that could lift Clare from the foot of the table into the third and final qualifying spot come close of business on Sunday week.

We reckon there are three such credible scenarios. And if there are additional permutations to what we’ve outlined here, don’t be shy in making them known.

1. Limerick lose both of their remaining fixtures to Cork and Clare, for which they’re at home for both. Tipperary beat Waterford this Sunday and Waterford lose again the following Sunday to Cork. That gets Clare to three points, level with Limerick, but the Banner nab third on account of the head-to-head rule.

2. Cork and Waterford overcome Limerick and Tipperary respectively next weekend. Clare overcome Limerick the weekend after, creating a three-way tie on three points between Clare, Limerick, and Tipperary. Score difference would then decide which of them takes third.

3. Limerick win at home to Cork this Sunday, Waterford win away to Tipperary the same afternoon. Waterford win again on the road the following Sunday, this time at Páirc Uí Chaoimh, with Clare also winning away to Limerick. This would create a three-way tie on three points between Cork, Clare, and Tipp. Score difference would then decide which of them takes third.