It’s been a long five weeks for Colm Collins and the Clare senior footballers, writes Joes Garry.
The fact that Clare were history makers as party to the championship’s first penalty shoot-out will have offered little consolation as Limerick made good on their victory, and have since secured a place in the last 12- all be it on the back of a fairly chastening experience last Saturday.
Colm & Co. have been long enough on the road to know that that first round display will be nowhere near good enough on Saturday next.
The intervening period will have diluted the agonising manner of that defeat, but will, no doubt, act as a reminder of the unforgiving nature of the championship , if chances are not availed of. Therein lies Saturday’s biggest challenge.
Clare, as always, will bring an honesty of endeavour but will need to complement same with far greater guile, particularly in front of goal. The 1-14 last day out was a decent return, but 11 wides, many eminently kickable, will almost always come back to haunt.
Both midfielders and all six starting forwards got on the scoresheet but, as in the league campaign, the Banner were goal shy, and in tight games, goals invariably determine results.
Keelan Sexton has recovered from that persistent hamstring injury and should reclaim his no.14 berth. Cathal O Connor too, is back in action and is likely to partner Darren O Neill i lár na pairce, allowing Ciarán Russell rejoin his comrades in defence.
Manus Doherty has become a very crucial cog in the Clare wheel and has also returned to full fitness, offering a timely boost as he is likely to be detailed in a man marking role.
Clare, crucially, have plenty options off the bench as if the past games with Meath are anything to go by, this should go to the wire.
Aaron Griffin has been particularly impressive in the last two games, and with Eoin Cleary capable of kicking up match winning tallies, Clare will know that the 20 point barrier can, and in all likelihood, will need, to be breached.
Meath have also serious forward talent but tend to give up goal chances and if Clare supporters are to have any interest in Monday morning’s draw, such chances must be converted.
Recent challenge games suggest an improvement in this area is indeed nigh.
The Royals have shaded the last two encounters by the bare minimum. It is time to arrest that stat and I fancy the Banner boys to do just that, without extra time or even penalties.