Preview: Munster SHC - Clare v Limerick
Tom Morrissey of Limerick in action against Mark Rodgers of Clare during the Munster GAA Hurling Senior Championship final match between Clare and Limerick at FBD Semple Stadium in Thurles, Tipperary. Photo by Piaras Ó Mídheach/Sportsfile.
Munster Senior Hurling Championship Round 3
Clare v Limerick, Zimmer Biomet Páirc Chíosóg, 2pm - RTE
These two teams have a happy habit of producing classic encounters, and there’s no reason to suspect this match will be any different.
With Cian Lynch suspended and Aaron Gillane injured, Limerick are arguably missing their two best players which could tip the scales in Clare’s favour.
It’s still a very strong looking Limerick team though with Darragh O’Donovan coming in for Lynch and Tom Morrissey replacing David Reidy in their attack.
Clare have named the same team that accounted for Waterford in the first round and it’s one stacked with attacking talent with Tony Kelly, David Reidy, and Sean Rynne in the half-forwards, and Mark Rodgers, Peter Duggan, and Shane O’Donnell making up a lethal inside-forward line.
If Clare’s half-backs and midfield can match Limerick’s for influence, then you’d fancy the Banner to come out on top, but that’s not a given.
Expect Limerick to condense the space in their half of the field and make the middle third a warzone. In that scenario their physicality and ability under the high ball could be decisive.
Clare looked defensively vulnerable to direct deliveries against Waterford, and Limerick will look to test them in the same way with Gearóid Hegarty and Shane O’Brien two very strong ball-winners close to goal and Peter Casey buzzing around them with intent.
It’s likely to be a match of very fine margins that could well be decided by the respective benches.
Clare look like they could have a small edge here wit the likes of John Conlon, David McInerney, Shane Meehan, Ian Galvin, and Diarmuid Stritch capable of making a significant impact.
The Banner County have also had two weeks to prepare for this match whereas Limerick's batteries may not be fully recharged after last weekend's considerable exertions against Cork.
CLARE: Éibhear Quilligan; Rory Hayes, Conor Cleary, Adam Hogan; Diarmuid Ryan, Niall O'Farrell, Cathal Malone; Darragh Lohan, Ryan Taylor; Tony Kelly, David Reidy, Sean Rynne; Mark Rodgers, Peter Duggan, Shane O'Donnell. Subs: Eamonn Foudy, John Conlon, Shane Meehan, David McInerney, Cian Galvin, Jack O'Neill, Diarmuid Stritch, Daithí Lohan, Ian Galvin, Conor Leen, Senan Dunford
LIMERICK: Nickie Quaid; Sean Finn, Mike Casey, Barry Nash; Diarmaid Byrnes, William O'Donoghue, Kyle Hayes; Adam English, Darragh O'Donovan; Cathal O Neill, Aidan O'Connor, Tom Morrissey; Gearóid Hegarty, Shane O'Brien, Peter Casey. Subs: Colin Ryan, Colin Coughlan, Fintan Fitzgerald, Matthew Fitzgerald, Hugh Flanagan, Ethan Hurley, Dan Morrissey, Donnacha Ó Dálaigh, Paddy O'Donovan, David Reidy, Eddie Stokes.
