What outcome would serve Tipp best from Clare v Limerick

KILLINAN END

Adopting an old description “a riddle wrapped in a mystery inside an enigma” might best describe the current Tipp effort in the championship.

There has been good and not so good in both games but drawing firm conclusions about performance is a tricky business. We are in the precise same position as last year – one point after two games – with the very obvious caveat that at this stage last year we had played both Cork and Limerick. An away game at the Gaelic Grounds is not an obvious part of any straightforward rehabilitation process.

That said, there is a clear and realistic path to the All-Ireland series for Tipp. If Limerick and Cork win their remaining games – not exactly improbable – Tipp are required only to beat Clare to progress from Munster. Uncomplicated in one sense but it does require new territory to be reached. In doing so they would be the first team to do so on just three points. There’s a first time for everything but it leaves no margin for error. Tipp would also be required beat Clare in Thurles for the first time since the round-robin began. Taken in isolation winning this game is achievable even if hardly easy. The broader requirements for our progress to the All-Ireland series, however plausible, carrying many moving parts.

Limerick face Clare in Ennis next Sunday without Cian Lynch and Aaron Gillane (taking at face value the injury reports) – two players who when posterity considers the current era will be on a pedestal. Good as Limerick are victory is hardly guaranteed especially if they are without both players. Our climb might be very steep by the end of that day. But if hope does spring eternal and the result falls our way we might be in a virtual knockout game against Clare in Thurles in mid-May. Given the way things have gone so far it is a very attractive proposition right now.

The mixed signals from Walsh Park make morals of that particular story elusive. It all looked a bit too easy in the first half when Tipp seemed to be able to rely on skill rather than the sort of frantic intensity that was evident earlier in the day by the Lee. However, as soon as Waterford ratcheted up the temperature after the break Tipp were struggling to get a foothold. The middle third of the pitch was painted white & blue for long periods of the second half. If one is to scramble for positives it is surely that Tipp had the character to not be completely overwhelmed. The late goal, while hugely deflating, was required only because Tipp showed the stomach for battle to get ahead despite falling behind late on.

Tipp’s three missed goal chances – and the Waterford goalkeeper must get some credit for the two from play – were surely offset by the amount of wides driven by Waterford in the first half. Several of these were the product of good defensive pressure but many were unforced. The half-time score flattered Tipp – arguments on both sides can be made for the final score. To be done at the death with a goal was cruel especially after the resilience shown to get ahead. Yet, few could argue cogently that Waterford deserved nothing from the game. Tipp’s three weeks ahead of the Clare game will need to be used wisely.

There are broader questions about the championship in Munster. The match fitness of Aaron Gillane is a matter of huge significance. It has been reported that he would miss the games against Cork and Clare. What if it lags beyond this? On the other hand, should Limerick get the points in Ennis without two magicians imagine the spring in their step?

There has to be question marks about Limerick’s capacity to go maybe seven or eight games to win an All-Ireland given the team’s age-profile among key players. To do so, missing a few players at stages along the way is an even greater challenge. If we in Tipp are inclined to watch the Cusack Park clash with far more than a passing interest, nerves will jangle from Castleconnell to Kilmallock ahead of the game. Yet, ironically, a third-place finish in Munster could be Limerick’s most profitable path to the latter stages and save them getting involved in too much trench warfare in a Munster Final. In an odd way defeat for Limerick in Ennis might do us more damage than them.

The uncertainty is half the attraction. There could be plenty of altitude in this Munster Championship yet. Waterford, when on song, can do damage to any team, including Cork in Walsh Park. Is a Cork win over Clare in the Park a given? It is a venue where Clare have been very good against the home team. How much of a kick is there in Tipp who have hurled only in patches? Plenty to anticipate.