By Barry Doyle
1. The Cork hurling razzmatazz is back. Expect an ultra noisy Cork crowd to play a role similar to the semi-final against Limerick.
2. There is a youthful swagger and fearlessness about Cork. The Rebels have already famously defeated Limerick twice in one season, stopping John Kiely’s drive for five. Cork now appear primed and ready to officially come of age by cementing authority on the All Ireland hurling division on Sunday. Outside of Patrick Horgan (36yo) and Seamus Harnedy (34yo), the Cork fifteen that started the semi final vs Limerick had an average age of 24. Scope to improve further!
3. Ravenous hunger across the county to end a 19 year drought for Liam McCarthy. The Rebel County are also seeking revenge over Clare for the 2013 All Ireland defeat. They owe Clare one! (Cork have lost the last 3 H2H championship battles vs Clare).
4. On average, Cork have outscored Clare in the 2024 Championship by 2-27 to 2-22 (5 point difference) across 7 matches.
5. Cork played 20 minutes with 14 men when Clare defeated them by 2 points in the 2024 Munster Championship.
6. Cork have a more complete set of 6 forwards boasting more speed, size, skill and forward movement.
7. Two man Clare full forward line of Aidan McCarthy & David Reidy don’t offer the same threat from play as Cork’s inside line. Cork should cope comfortably in their fullback line area of the pitch.
8. The Rebels have a much better ability to work goals (top goalscorers in the 2024 championship with #16) Cork have outscored Clare for goals (9-4) across the last 4 matches played.
9. Clare’s full back line struggled against Kilkenny in the semi-final. Clare could have easily shipped more than 2 goals but for the exploits of Eibhear Quilligan (GK) who made 3 excellent saves. Clare have kept just 1 clean sheet in 7 matches in the 2024 Championship.
10. Clare have mileage in the legs to go with the added baggage of losing 4 finals. 9 of the 15 Clare starters in the semi-final were aged 30+ (They look beyond their peak under Brian Lohan) The added pressure of a likely last All Ireland dance added to extra baggage of losing 4 of their 5 finals under Brian Lohan could weigh them down.
11. The banner side appear too dependent on long-range shooting. Cork boast a superior shot conversion (67%) Vs Clare (62%). Clare shot far too many wides vs Kilkenny and that’s a worry for them.
12. Cork have the standout influencer around the middle third. Darragh Fitzgibbon has scored 0-22 from play and has been instrumental all season. 3/1 to be named hurler of the year looks the value.
13. This Clare side have a poor recent Croke Park record. Just 1 win in 11 years in Croke Park.
14. Cork are also likely to have a stronger impact off the bench with Shane Kingston, Robbie O’Flynn & Jack O’Connor’s pace.
15. Patrick Horgan’s experience from placed ball situations. 2-51 from placed balls in the 2024 Championship.
Best Bets
Cork & Over 1.5 Cork Goals (6/4) NAP
Cork & Over 56.5 Match Pts (2/1) NB
Cork -5 Pts (9/4)
Brian Hayes to score 4 Pts + (inc.goals) (15/8)
Brian Hayes first goalscorer (8/1)
Darragh Fitzgibbon hurler of the year (3/1)
Listen to this week’s podcast HERE
