*Ryan Taylor scores a point for Clare. Photograph: Ruth Griffin.
FOLLOWING yet another inspirational comeback after once again giving themselves a mountain to climb, Clare’s hurlers search for a first championship win continues, Eoin Brennan rates the performances from Saturday’s three point loss to Tipperary.
1: Eibhear Quilligan
Tipperary’s incessant first half four goal bombardment would have been much worse were it not for the Feakle stopper who produced two outstanding stops to deny Jake Morris a breakthrough albeit the second was caught and finished by Andrew Ormond. With Ronan Maher stifling Peter Duggan’s effectiveness from puck-outs, it was difficult for Quilligan to find alternative aerial ball winners. His free also teed up Tony Kelly for Clare’s crucial second goal entering the final quarter.
Rating: 8
3: Darragh Lohan
Earmarked to curb Jason Forde, that task predominantly brought the full-back out to the right corner. There was almost incessant pressure in that opening period which meant that it was frenetic and madcap at times and it was only in the second period when the concentration was mainly at the other end of the field that the Wolfe Tones defenders got to fully marshal Clare’s last line and produce some pivotal interventions.
Rating: 6
2. Adam Hogan
Clare’s man-marking defensive structure caused consternation throughout the opening half as the sole concentration on their direct opponent largely meant that there was no-one minding the house or sweeping up possession. Hogan found himself at full-back in an effort to shadow Jake Morris who would have gotten two goals were it not for the superb intervention of Eibhear Quilligan. Hogan was more recognisable and dominant in the second period.
Rating: 6
4: Conor Leen
Was considered a doubt beforehand too, a rumour that was fuelled even more when the Corofin defender seemed to be limping by the end of the warm-up. Remarkably still managed to start the game but clearly wasn’t right as up against an in-form John McGrath, the Loughmore/Castleiney defender slipped in for two first quarter goals and was unlucky that another flew over the bar. Leen was duly replaced by Rory Hayes after only 19th minutes.
Rating: 5
17. Daithi Lohan
It was a major ask to expect Daithi Lohan to hit the ground sprinting in his Munster Senior Championship debut, having not played a single minute all year for the Banner’s flagship side in championshop. Such was the predicament that faced his uncle Brian and his management team who could never have foreseen that four of last year’s All-Ireland winning defence would be sidelined through injury. Had a roving role for the bulk of the first half following Noel McGrath.
Rating: 5
7: David McInerney
There was a lot of responsibility resting on McInerney’s shoulders to provide the inspiration and assurance in the absence of Conor Cleary, Diarmuid Ryan and John Conlon. Did step up accordingly alongside Cian Galvin, with the Tulla talisman winning a brace of frees and even striking a few from defence himself especially to relieve the danger in a tough first half that saw Clare’s half-back unit dragged out towards the centre.
Rating: 7
5. Cian Galvin
Was Clare’s busiest and arguably most impressive defender, having really taken on a defensive leadership role since coming in for Diarmuid Ryan against Cork. Had a major hand in initiating the attacking moves two of Sean Rynne’s three points and also teed up Shane Meehan for a shot that drifted wide early on. Made a few telling interceptions from puck-outs and invariably provides the best supply-line for the forward line.
Rating: 7
9. Cathal Malone
One could make the case for this being Malone’s most impressive and consistent season in a Clare senior jersey as realising the loss of such pivotal leaders all over the field, he has brought his work-rate to a whole new level in this round-robin series. Scored an early point, teed up David Reidy for a goal chance and also offloaded to Peter Duggan for a second half score in the midst of another miracle recovery
Rating: 7
13: Ryan Taylor
Following a disappointing start to the championship, Ryan Taylor has been up there as Clare’s best performer against Waterford and Tipperary as he’s back to his lively running best, picking up breaks around the centre to take on opposition defences at every available opportunity. Scored two eye-catching first half points and also directly set up Sean Rynne for his first ever championship score before the break.
Rating: 7
8: Sean Rynne
Another to make his senior championship debut and initially it seemed to be passing him by as the versatile Inagh/Kilnamona star found it difficult to get on ball. Overall, had a limited possession rate but certainly made the most of what he got as he fired three pivotal points to become Clare’s top-scorer from play along with Mark Rodgers. Will learn from this experience which was a truly ultimate baptism of fire.
Rating: 6
15: David Reidy
Without garnering a single score, David Reidy was easily Clare’s most influential player throughout as he pulled the strings and dragged Clare back into a contest that seemed well beyond them. Was unlucky to have two goal chances thwarted too but had a direct hand in 1-4 for others, passing across the square for Mark Rodgers to acrobatically catch and finish which kickstarted Clare’s backlash. Harshly withdrawn entering the final ten minutes.
Rating: 8
14. Peter Duggan
Another not to grab the headlines in terms of scores but certainly led the line well when switched to full-forward for a wind-assisted second half. It took Tipperary captain Ronan Maher to switch to wing-back to curb his puck-out power in the opening period but the Clooney/Quin targetman did win five frees, three of which were scored while also scoring a point and setting up a goal chance for David Reidy late in the first half.
Rating: 7
10: Tony Kelly
His mere presence was a huge psychological boost but while he was involved in 1-3 for others in the first half, it was his captain’s part at the turn of the final quarter that made the five-time All-Star stand out as he converted a free, set up Sean Rynne for a point after an outrageous flicked pick-up and then earned and emphatically rifled a 55th minute penalty to their top right corner of Rhys Shelly’s net. Also won the last free for Mark Rodgers to keep Clare in touch.
Rating: 7
11. Mark Rodgers
Having been relatively quiet by his own high standards in the opening two ties, this was a spectacular and extremely timely return to form for the Scariff sharp-shooter who was almost unerring from frees with 13 placed balls to finish as top-scorer overall but also scored a brilliant goal when his leap to catch David Reid’s cross from the grasp of Ronan Maher saw him swivel and finish with aplomb. Also won three frees.
Rating: 8
12. Shane Meehan
Was even busier than his starting championship debut against Waterford but without the scoring return this time around. Had a hand in Clare’s opening goal that was subsequently worked through Kelly and Reidy before being finished by Rodgers, set up Ryan Taylor for a point and won an early free in the second half that Rodgers converted but would make way for Shane O’Donnell’s much-heralded return ten minutes into the net half
Rating: 6
Subs:
18: Rory Hayes
No time for easing into the contest as Hayes was catapulted into the war zone in Clare’s full-back line in a first half siege. Immediately got to know Jason Forde with both players being booked upon his introduction after 19 minutes but did well to steady ship.
Rating: 6
25: Shane O’Donnell
Never has Cusack Park been greeted by such a roar as the National Hurler of the Year made his competitive bow for 2025 off the bench after 44 minutes. Immediately sprung like a salmon to grasp a puck-out and win a free that Rodgers would convert. However, wasn’t supplied enough to do more damage outside of winning another free.
Rating: 6
22: David Fitzgerald
Having lost his starting place to club-mate Sean Rynne, the current All-Star understandably came on in determined fashion. But was perhaps overly eager to prove a point as he tried in vain to get on ball as much as possible. Did win two frees through.
Rating: 6
24: Ian Galvin
Hadn’t the same influence as previous games as Tipperary packed their defence late on to try and stop Clare at any cost.
Rating: 5
6. John Conlon
Another welcome addition if perhaps too late to influence matters. May have been an option up front too when a goal was craved in additional time.
Rating: 5
