Clare have won the last three championship meetings between the counties, their best run against Cork since winning four on the spin between 1993 and '98.
When asked what Cork need to improve upon from their defeat to Clare in April recently, Pat Ryan’s response was to the point: “Keep 15 players on the field is the first thing anyway.”
But Cork were three behind before they scored again it went out to six before a late rally saw them lose by only two in the end. It would be difficult to argue that O’Donoghue’s absence for over 20 minutes wasn’t worth more than the final margin of victory to Clare, even if they deserved the victory on balance that day.
Unlike previous years, when they’ve lit up the Munster round robin, Clare have yet to deliver a strikingly impressive performance, and while they stood up in the second half against Kilkenny, they could have been well adrift at half-time.
Ireland Latest News, Ireland Headlines
Similar News:You can also read news stories similar to this one that we have collected from other news sources.
Clare FM's Joan Hanrahan on family life, living in Clare and having her dream jobI feel I’ve had a very privileged existence and I’m very lucky that Clare FM took me on that first day and I’ve enjoyed such a lovely time with them over the last 25 years
Read more »
Joe Canning: We won’t see them, but certain matches this weekend will influence the All-Ireland semi-finalsCork and Clare face a challenge that Limerick and Kilkenny earned the right to avoid
Read more »
'It was devoid of energy all over the place': Cork and Clare set for semi-final battlesCroke Park is calling Cork and Clare, but it was disappointment for Dublin and Wexford.
Read more »
Euro 2024: England booed off by their own fans - ‘A performance of bone-jarring ineptitude’Irish rugby running on empty, Joe Canning tips Clare and Cork in All-Ireland quarter-finals
Read more »
All-Ireland hurling final: Cork’s momentum can get them over the line in tight finaleCork need slightly less to go right for them than Clare
Read more »
Ireland weather: Croke Park forecast for All-Ireland Hurling Final Clare vs CorkFans will undoubtedly be hoping that the weather doesn't dampen the spirits or the play of these two formidable teams as they vie for the All-Ireland title in Croke Park
Read more »