Rebel excursion to provide barometer of Banner progress

Eoin Brennan looks ahead to this evening’s vital national league encounter with Cork

National League
Division 2 Round 2
Cork v Clare at Páirc Uí Chaoimh Cork, Saturday 7pm
(Maurice Deegan, Laois)

As significant as securing an opening victory over Offaly was in what is a perpetually cut-throat Division 2, the real acid test arrives this Saturday evening as Colm Collins’ side face Cork as part of a rare National League double header between the counties in Páirc Uí Chaomh.

Clare have a healthy league record against the Rebels, with three victories in the last four meetings and even last year’s loss proving sufficient for the Banner to advance to the Division 2 Semi-Finals at the expense of Cork.

However, it’s 11 years since Clare last played in Páirc Uí Chaoimh, not to mind its state-of-the-art upgrade. Indeed, that 2011 clash was a forgettable 15 point reverse in the Munster Senior Quarter-Final (1-23 to 0-11), with only four of the 26 panelists that day (David Tubridy, Cathal O’Connor, Kevin Harnett and Darren O’Neill) still in situ.

Contrasting opening displays does provide a greater sense of optimism for the visitors on Saturday, as while Cork struggled to contend with Roscommon, Clare got better as the tie developed in a comfortable nine-point victory over Offaly.

“We were absolutely delighted with the result and delighted to start off with the two points, especially against a team that are hard to play football against,” admitted Colm Collins at the final whistle.

“They’re very well organised defensively and you need to be patient.

“While it’s not great stuff for people watching unfortunately, Offaly have done very well on teams losing patience with them and going for the jugular, only to find themselves getting turned over.

“So thankfully the lads were patient today and we got our rewards.”

A 13-point turnaround accentuated by seven different scorers including two off the bench provided Collins with greater options for their trip to Cork including the return of the bizarrely suspended Emmet McMahon albeit that Ciaran Russell and Cillian Rouine both came off with knocks on Sunday.

“Cillian has a recurring injury so we took him off there near the end and indeed anyone who had any problems, we took them off straight away because we have a good strong bench there.

“Even outside of the 26 players who togged today, we have plenty of options so we’re in a good place panel-wise.

“Overall I thought we played some good football in the second half whereas there were times in the first half that I thought we gave away the ball unnecessarily.

“The boys were also cognisant that the division could well come down to score difference so they worked right to the end.

“Every point is going to matter so they were well aware of that and I thought they managed the game well.

“In this division, it’s tough going so there’ll be points going in all directions. Look at today’s results, a few of them I predicted badly wrong so it’s all to play for but all we’re thinking about now is the nice welcome from Cork on Saturday night.”