THERE HAS been much talk around the county over the past few weeks about Clare not getting the true credit they deserve for their perfect start to the Munster Championship.
It’s no different to last year’s championship opening demolition of Waterford or back-to-back victories over Wexford as there was more concern about what happened to the vanquished sides such as Tipperary and Cork rather the rampant Banner that inflicted the damage.
That’s certainly not a concern that the management hold as being written off makes their job much easier in terms of motivation and ambushing potential.
Realistically though, Clare will only truly get merited credit if they could take down perennial champions Limerick.
The big question for both teams however is their mindset in the approach to this group clash on Sunday. With Limerick almost certainly safely through to a fourth consecutive Munster decider, it difficult to see how or why they would bring a full strength side to Ennis for fear of risking further injury.
The only nagging doubt in that theory is that following such a lacklustre display for the majority against Tipperary last Sunday, perhaps manager John Kiely wouldn’t appreciate another potential below-par performance ahead of the provincial decider.
For Clare too, is it really worth showing their full tactical hand when there’s the distinct possibility of meeting Limerick again down the tracks in either Munster or the All-Ireland series?
These are conundrums that will only be answered on Sunday for what should be an unmissable occasion in terms of atmosphere.
Not since the pre-Covid times of 2019 has Cusack Park been packed to capacity and it’s that unique almost intimidating cauldron-like atmosphere that Clare players relish and opposition teams dread.
It’s why Clare supporters should be pulling out all the stops to be part of the Banner roar that was audible for the first time in Thurles a fortnight ago.
The All-Ireland winners and three-in-a-row Munster-chasing Limerick side were dented by Tipperary last Sunday but ultimately never brought down in their last nine provincial matches.
On the flip side, this is Brian Lohan’s first home championship tie as manager. But based on their championship displays since 2020, the players have always performed under his watch and will be determined to repeat the dose of 2018 when being the only side in the country to beat Limerick that year.
To make fortress Cusack Park great again, everyone has to play their part. Welcome to Banner-tasaray!
Munster Senior Hurling Championship Round 4
Clare v Limerick at Cusack Park Ennis, Sunday 4pm (Colm Lyons, Cork)