The All-Ireland SHC Final takes place at Croke Park on Sunday. Photo by Sam Barnes/Sportsfile
Sunday July 21
All-Ireland SHC Final
Clare v Cork, Croke Park, 3.30pm, RTE/BBC
Who will place their flag on the summit of the hurling world on Sunday?
Clare, last victorious in 2013, staged a remarkable last comeback mission at the penultimate stage, reeling off six points in a row to overcome Kilkenny. Following two semi-final losses to the striped team in 2022 and 2023, it was a significant moment for the Banner.
Less than 24 hours after that Clare success, Cork overcame Limerick in a game for the ages. Without a title since 2005, Cork are eager to deliver on the grand stage again.
Pat Ryan, who remained cool following two early Munster Championship defeats, acknowledges it is a particularly exciting time Leeside. “I don’t think you do protect them; I think you just have to embrace it, to be honest with you,” Ryan remarks.
“That’s the way I’m looking at it. As I said to the lads there a while ago, there’s no pressure here. This is where you want it to be."
Eleven years ago when Shane O'Donnell inspired Clare to a stunning replay triumph over Cork, it appeared the Banner, armed with several classy emerging players, were primed to enjoy a productive spell.
Sport, though, can work in mysterious ways. In the intervening years Clare were beaten in the 2018, 2022, and 2023 semi-finals. So, getting back to a decider matters deeply to Brian Lohan, a totemic figure in their 1995 and 1997 victories.
When it truly counted against Kilkenny, Clare had the depth and resources to finish with a flourish. "We've had a couple of injuries, high profile injuries, and we did use the league to get a couple of the guys on the field, up against good quality opposition and good players," Lohan says.
"So, we didn't have Ryan (Taylor), Tony (Kelly), Shane (O'Donnell), and David McInerney - a lot of key guys.
"It was left to younger guys, who are only learning, developing, and getting experience to come on, they did really well. We won the league and we've progressed since then. We are happy with where we are at."
Ciaran Joyce, Cork, surrounded by Clare players David Reidy, David Fitzgerald, and Cathal Malone during the Munster SHC clash at SuperValu Páirc Uí Chaoimh in April. Photo by Ray McManus/Sportsfile
Suddenly, Clare have a full deck to choose from for the final. "That is just the way it has unfolded," Lohan adds. "It is crucial that we got a bit of game time into those crucial guys, who need that game time.
"We are happy with where we are at and we know what is in front of us. We know the levels we have to get to."
That is most certainly the case because Cork were daring when defeating Limerick. Goalkeeper Patrick Collins was smooth behind a defence in which the Downeys contributed handsomely.
Darragh Fitzgibbon will scamper about craving involvement, while the Cork attack is flecked with class. Patrick Horgan, Brian Hayes and Alan Connolly are motoring well with Declan Dalton, Shane Barrett, and Séamus Harnedy all hugely relevant to the Cork cause.
Early losses to Waterford and Clare put Cork into serious bother, but since then Ryan's charges have overcome Limerick (twice), Tipperary, Offaly, and Dublin to earn a place in Sunday's showpiece.
Clare's journey hasn't been without turbulence either. The Munster final reversal to Limerick was an undoubted setback, but then Clare did enough in the Wexford match.
Kilkenny were on top for the majority of the first half, but Clare persevered. Aidan McCarthy was sharp from frees, while Mark Rodgers, David Reidy, and Tony Kelly rifled over scores when the issue was delicately poised.
Throughout Shane O'Donnell's durability and dynamism was evident, winning possession, creating space for colleagues, who were always ready, willing, and able to assist.
At the opposite end of the field Adam Hogan and Conor Leen enhanced their burgeoning reputations with defiant displays that harkened back to Clare's gritty approach in Lohan's playing days.
Ultimately, both counties, backed by passionate supporters, will enter the Jones Road venue armed with hope, confidence, and expectation. Similar to 2013, it could go the distance.
Clare: Eibhear Quilligan; Adam Hogan, Conor Cleary, Conor Leen; Diarmuid Ryan, John Conlon, David McInerney; David Fitzgerald, Cathal Malone; Tony Kelly, Mark Rodgers, Peter Duggan; Aidan McCarthy, Shane O'Donnell, David Reidy.
Subs: Cian Broderick, Rory Hayes, Paul Flanagan, Cian Galvin, Darragh Lohan, Ryan Taylor, Seadna Morey, Aron Shanagher, Ian Galvin, Shane Meehan, Robin Mounsey.
Cork: Patrick Collins; Niall O'Leary, Eoin Downey, Seán O'Donoghue; Ciarán Joyce, Robert Downey, Mark Coleman; Tim O'Mahony, Darragh Fitzgibbon; Declan Dalton, Shane Barrett, Séamus Harnedy; Patrick Horgan, Alan Connolly, Brian Hayes.
Subs: Brion Saunderson, Damien Cahalane, Ger Millerick, Tommy O'Connell, Luke Meade, Ethan Twomey, Conor Lehane, Jack O'Connor, Shane Kingston, Padraig Power, Robbie O'Flynn.
