PAUL FLYNN: There’s a myth around Cusack Park in Ennis that is so far off the mark it’s funny

Waterford travel to Ennis on Sunday for the first of their two remaining outings in the Munster Championship. All five counties in the competition remain in with a chance to reach the top three and progress to the All-Ireland series but I’m sure we all know that by now.

The outcome in Cork on Saturday evening when Cork clipped limerick in dramatic fashion kept their hopes alive. I bet the black card rule and awarding of the penalty isn’t such a bad rule after all down on Leeside this week. The consequence of the result means that both Clare and Limerick are still also very much involved in the mix and need to pick up points against Waterford to move forward, but our destiny is still in our own hands, something we couldn’t have said in the last three Munster campaigns.

Tipperary play Cork on Sunday at 4pm in Thurles after we have played in Ennis and that game is really the first knockout game of the campaign, both teams cannot lose where as a draw would still keep Tipp alive.

A quick word on Cork’s win over Limerick. I haven’t witnessed a game with so many momentum swings. Yes Cork got there at the death, they kept on playing in fairness because they couldn’t afford not to, but how many times did they offer up goals to Limerick while in control of the game with several ill-advised short puck outs. However, they did show that Limerick can be competed with in the air and on the breaks and a special mention to Seamus Harnedy at wing forward as he was excellent.

ENNIS MYTH

There is a myth around Cusack Park in Ennis that is so far off the mark it’s funny. When you hear the commentary around how tight the playing surface is in Ennis don’t believe a word a word of it.

It’s as big a pitch as you’ll find, perhaps the proximity of the crowd makes it appear that way but its maximum size. It hasn’t been a good ground for many a Déise team. A few league runs have been ended there and indeed as have a few Munster championship campaigns. Clare recovered well against Cork on their last outing by winning a high scoring game. That is a feature of this Clare team that claimed the National League in early April, they have scores in them as their striking from out field is generally very good. They like to move the ball to the unmarked player and with both wing backs looking to join in at every opportunity, especially Diarmuid Ryan up the right-hand side. Landing 3-26 away to Cork was a serious effort. Losing to Limerick at home will have motivated Lohan’s men and with a win at home on Sunday I believe four points will get at least third place it may even get you into a Munster Final and that’s where this Clare team wants to be.

The League game in Walsh Park earlier in the season between these teams was very competitive. A hard wind blowing towards the town end was the dominating factor along with some wild long shooting from Waterford. Clare excelled in possession that afternoon working the ball with some strong running and good options particularly in the second-half. David Fitzgerald is a good example of this and his goal in Cork was the pivotal score that got Clare over the line. Conlon at centre-back is cool in possession and has a good hand on him, Michael Kiley and himself may well have a battle royale.

Without the advantage of a crystal ball, it seems that three points may fall short of the desired amount to progress out of the province and then again it just might on a head-to-head pending the results. I have a strong suspicion that four points is the number. Conor Prunty may well miss the game though injury. Mark Fitzgerald did a good job in the league and against Tipperary and him to full-back seems to be the move but it’s the slot at wing back that remains the one up for grabs.

Looking at the aerial display that Cork gave on Saturday perhaps Jack Fagan could be utilised in the half-forward line. Shane Bennett looked strong and fit when he was introduced against Tipp. This is the type of game where playing better without the ball maybe more important than with it.

Clare will undoubtedly target the accurate delivery to Shane O’Donnell and it’s the awareness then of the whereabouts of the runners that will be vital, concentrating throughout will be massive for this Waterford team looking for a result. Quilligan in goal for Clare is generally a solid performer but there is a question mark around his shot stopping compared to the best keepers on the circuit maybe this is an avenue that we might get some joy from, but we have to get close to him.

Breaking the lines, especially the opposing half back line will be the key to unlocking the game. Both teams like to hold onto possession in the middle third so fitness will play its part in the second-half. Which team will be able to keep going offering support to the man in possession the longest? The fresh legs that come in will have to be up to speed straight away. We saw the importance of the squad so far in the championship with all the teams it really is a 20-man effort to get over the line. It’s time the poor run in Cusack Park was put to bed and Sunday will offer that opportunity.