So-called also-rans? 'Disrespected' Tipp and Clare renew rivalry once more

David Fitzgerald of Clare is tackled by Alan Tynan of Tipperary. Pic: Ray McManus/Sportsfile

You might have seen it by now: Limerick comedian Seamus Lehane’s preview of the All-Ireland senior hurling championship by way of explaining it from the fan version of himself to the uninitiated.

“Who are the favourites?” “Probably Limerick.” 

“Did they win it last year? “No.” 

“Did they win it the year before? “No.” 

“Oh, so they must have a good young team, then?” “Not really. They’re old enough. They’ve just won five out of the last eight All-Irelands.” 

“Who else are favourites?” “Probably Cork.” 

“Did they win it last year?” “No.” 

“Did they win it the year before?” No.” 

“When was the last time they won it?” “Twenty-one years ago. Tipperary and Clare were the last two winners.” 

“And does anyone fancy them this year?” “Not really.” 

On paper, Saturday’s meeting of the 2024 and ‘25 All-Ireland champions should have greater billing. 

Yes, both teams have just won just two of their last six Munster games but they are the classic examples of survive in spring, succeed in summer.

Have they been disrespected? “I would think so,” says former Clare forward Tommy Guilfoyle. “The fact they won All-Irelands. They may have been seen as fortunate, but you don’t win All-Irelands handy.

“Yes, the narrative in Munster is Limerick and Cork and whoever. Tipperary’s win last year was downgraded when they lost to Cork in Thurles. I thought it would have brought out the best in Tipperary, but for one reason or another they were really flat in the second half.

“We in Clare are not in the big three or four counties so some of that argument doesn’t hold up, but the spotlight has been on Cork and it’s weighing heavy on Cork until they do it (win an All-Ireland). I’m not saying they’re not contenders but until they go and do it… 

“Limerick probably have fluctuated but they’re now back as good as ever. It’s fickle the way the teams are considered round to round.” 

This meeting of the so-called also-rans should be a big deal as much for their All-Ireland successes as their rivalry. Six meetings in the round-robin era, three wins for Clare, three wins for Tipperary. 

Half of them won by three points or less. All of Clare’s coming in Tipperary and Tipperary’s the other way. Unlike Clare and Cork’s tussles with Limerick, only one coming by double-digits.

Guilfoyle can’t put his finger on that one and he “doesn’t know what’s going to happen” on Saturday. 

On one hand, there is that fine FBD Semple Stadium record. 

On the other, Clare concede goals far too easily – since 2022, 39 have been conceded in 10 games. 

It’s their worst in the province ahead of Tipperary (37), Cork (29), Waterford (27) and Limerick (19).

Coughing up goals didn’t inhibit Clare from reaching Munster finals in three of those seasons and they are leakier in Ennis than on their travels (26 of the 39 came at home).

But Guilfoyle sees similarities between the defeat to Tipperary last season when they failed to emerge from Munster and the most recent loss to Limerick.

“We have always been able to bounce back after a poor performance but the manner in which we were defeated by Limerick in Ennis certainly tempers expectations.

“We conceded four goals to Tipperary in the first half last year and were nine points down at half-time. I think it has to do with the way we are set up. What really worries me is there is no plan B to stop a team when they’re on top. It’s too gung-ho.

“Will there be personnel changes? I’m not sure they’re there and do you make changes then for the sake of change? For some reason, we’re not producing defenders as we used to. We always used to have them and were short on forwards.

“Clare won’t be afraid of going to Thurles. It’s not like it’s the lion’s den where they have never won. It’s just our current form and defensive issues that are the key problems.

“I don’t think the record has to do with the pressure of playing at home. I just think we enjoy playing in Thurles and it hasn’t always been one way. I remember (in 2018) Jake Morris had a shot off the post at the town end and the ball going up the field and (Morris’ cousin) Ian Galvin scored a goal to win the game. 

"It could be just as close in this one but there is so much uncertainty around both teams.”