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27th September 2013
11:03am BST

Declan Whooley says... It seems like a long time since Domhnall O’Donovan struck a last gasp equaliser for Clare last time out and while the build-up seems to be lower key for the replay, it promises to be another intriguing clash between the Munster rivals.
While the final 15 minutes in the drawn encounter was as dramatic as we have ever seen at Croke Park, the preceding 55 was not exactly vintage. Clare were by far the most impressive at that juncture and the common consensus is that the Rebels won’t play as badly again while questions remain as to whether the Banner men can reach such a level of performance again.
Ever since the Munster defeat at the hands of Cork, Clare have been ultra-consistent with their game plan, getting the better of all challengers. Even with the surprising change that saw the removal of Pat Donnellan as sweeper three weeks ago, it very nearly saw them triumph. However, after the concession of three goals, the focus is very much back on the Clare full-back line and the space afforded between both lines of defence.
Davy Fitzgerald will have been plotting in fine detail over the past three weeks – and also perhaps if he can perfect his evil stare - but he will be under no illusions as to the task facing him given it is highly unlikely that the Cork attack in particular will be as ineffective as last time out.
That may seem harsh for a side that scored 3-16, but the starting corner forwards Luke O’Farrell and Jamie Coughlan failed to score, Pa Cronin had a very quiet game on the 40 before he exerted a greater influence on proceedings in the full-forward line and Pat Horgan was held to just two points from play, though his final effort was worthy of winning an All-Ireland Final before O’Donovan had the final say.
Cian McCarthy has been called up by JBM to take the number 11 jersey, and along with Pa Cronin should add to Cork’s puck-out options, a real problem area the last time out, especially in the opening period. Conor Lehane, who had a fine game, could well cause more consternation in the corner, though he is likely to switch a number of times before the 70 minutes, or more, are out.
While Clare got the better at midfield, Daniel Kearney had a good outing, contributing two points and was a dangerous runner from broken play. His partner Lorcan McLoughlin had his most low-key game of championship by 2013, but should he up his performance to the levels we have seen earlier in the summer then the Rebels would at the very least expect to break even, which would spell real danger for Clare’s chances, where Conor Ryan gave a master class.
I expect Clare to play to a similar level to the drawn encounter, but ultimately I feel Cork will prevail for two main reasons. Firstly, as mentioned, I expect the forward unit to improve immeasurably and secondly, Clare’s forwards don’t carry the same scoring threat as their counterparts in red. Yes they will all chip in with points, but their inability to raise the green flag could cost them dearly. Cork aren’t serial goal scorers themselves generally, but you feel if needs must, they have the crafty forwards to plunder a goal should the situation arise.
The heart, and more importantly the head, say Liam McCarthy is set to make his way to Leeside for the next 12 months.
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