*Daniel Walsh. Photograph: Gerard O’Neill
IT WAS an improved display from Clare’s senior footballers but not enough to cause an upset against Monaghan, Colm Shalvey rates the Banner performances.
By Colm Shalvey
A nine point loss means it’s do or die for Clare in what is essentially a knockout tie against Leinster champions Louth in a fortnight.
Leading by seven at half-time, Clare were unable to cope with a third quarter Monaghan onslaught, a late Aaron Griffin goal would reduce the deficit to four only for the Farney men to respond and see out a 1-25 1-16 win.
Éamon Tubridy:
Had a busy afternoon, with 33 kick-outs in total, 30 of which went long. Monaghan got to grips with the midfield battle during the second half. Had no chance with Conor McCarthy’s goal.
Rating: 6
Rory McMahon:
Started on Stephen Mooney and coped well for the most part, with his opposite number being withdrawn early in the second half.
Rating: 7
Ronan Lanigan:
Much like his team, he had a strong first half but found Jack McCarron elusive after the restart.
Rating: 6
Manus Doherty:
Took on Monaghan’s in-form captain Mícheál Bannigan and they had a good tussle.
Rating: 7
Alan Sweeney:
Tracked the all-action Ryan McAnespie, with both players putting in a good shift.
Rating: 6
Ikem Ugwueru:
Drove forward time and time again from the half-back line, albeit with mixed end product. Picked up a yellow card late on.
Rating: 7
Fionn Kelleher:
Restricted Stephen O’Hanlon to a single point (although it really should have been a goal), with some help from his defensive team-mates, who crowded out the pacy wing-forward at times.
Rating: 7
Brian McNamara:
Won a handful of kick-outs to put his side on the front foot. Faded as the game progressed.
Rating: 6
Daniel Walsh:
Wearing number 17, Walsh started in place of the injured Emmet McMahon. Made a real impact, opening Clare’s account on five minutes and doubling his tally 18 minutes later. Went out of the game during the second half.
Rating: 7
Connor Meaney:
Kicked a brace of excellent two-pointers from the right flank to help Clare build their half-time lead.
Rating: 7
Dermot Coughlan:
Won three kick-outs, carried the ball with purpose but kicked a couple of wides. Kicked a point late on.
Rating: 7
Shane Griffin:
Didn’t get on the scoresheet, but put in an industrious effort over the 70 minutes. Was always in the mix for the breaking ball.
Rating: 7
Mark McInerney:
Towered over his opposite number, Ryan Wylie, yet Clare rarely looked to kick it into the inside line. Kicked 0-3 in the first half, including a two-pointer, but could only manage a close-range free thereafter. Nice footwork led to Aaron Griffin’s goal.
Rating: 7
Eoin Cleary:
Started Clare’s run of three two-point scores in the closing stages of the first half, but was generally on the fringes of the game.
Rating: 6
Aaron Griffin:
Was lively throughout, sniping points off left and right, before palming to the net late on. Starved of possession during the second half.
Rating: 7
Subs:
Jamie Stack:
The game had well and truly gone away from Clare by the time he was introduced during the final quarter.
Rating: 6
Evan Cahill & Darren Nagle not on long enough to be rated.
