Davy Fitzgerald could barely hide his delight after Clare’s 3-21 to 2-16 Munster Hurling GAA Championship victory over Tipperary at Semple Stadium earlier today.
When asked about his view of Clare’s performance by RTÉ host Joanne Cantwell, his first response was “that’s magic Joanne.”
He then went on to describe the positives in Clare’s performance in terms of their variety and tactics.
I’ve worked with a lot of these guys and they showed their potential today. And I think the big thing was, we mentioned before the game using variety, and I think getting that short ball, moving with it.
Their two goals came from outside-in, it was great, and then they had Peter (Duggan) inside to hit that high ball, which is what we got the penalty off of.
It’s the first time in two or three years I’ve seen Clare use that variety. I can see the pattern in their play. I didn’t see as much of it in the second half but definitely the first.
As a Clare person I know that the talent is there and it’s great to see it today. And that victory was amazing and they deserved their win big time.
Fitzgerald was asked to name his man of the match, and he was in no doubt that the award had to go to Shane O’Donnell, who has been out with injury for 18 months.
"Shane O’Donnell, he’s been out for a long time, but the thing about Shane is, it’s his passing.
"Shane is so good upstairs. He sees the man on, he’s not a selfish player, he’ll always passes to the better guy.
"He can score goals but he can also create some amount. I know it was a great team performance today. But you would have to say it to Shane for being out for so long, he deserved that today for his all-round performance."
Clare dominated the majority of the game and scored their first goal through Ian Galvin, after eight minutes. It was a fantastic team move from the Banner County, and started off by the aforementioned O'Donnell.
Clare have the opening goal of the game through Ian Galvin
Highlights on #sundaygame at 9.30pm #RTEGAA
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📻 https://t.co/2SRRKdgjzu pic.twitter.com/1Vmlp1ViaF— The Sunday Game (@TheSundayGame) April 24, 2022
Tipp did not have many positives to take from the game, although they did threaten to make a comeback when they scored a goal through Ger Browne, early in the second half. They also managed a second goal soon after after a shocking error from Clare keeper Eibhear Quilligan.
A bizarre second goal for Tipperary as Eibhear Quilligan misses the high ball
Highlights on #sundaygame at 9.30pm #RTEGAA
⌨️ https://t.co/cIHsbeHYDB
📺 https://t.co/hgbwjaYsed
📻 https://t.co/2SRRKdgjzu pic.twitter.com/Nv1FlGrPni— The Sunday Game (@TheSundayGame) April 24, 2022
The win puts Clare second in the Munster Hurling GAA Championship table, behind Limerick, while Tipperary remain at the bottom after losing their first two matches.
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