At the very least, you couldn't accuse Clare of shirking the challenge. Within a minute Cusack Park was rocking, by half-time Cork were stunned and trailing by five.
Finally, the Banner responded after successive underperformances in the Munster championship. It started with a Shane O'Donnell strike past Anthony Nash. Cork responded with an early blow of their own thanks to Patrick Horgan.
Clare and Cork trade early goals in the #MSHC - Watch highlights on tonight's programme 9.30pm @RTE2 #rtegaa #GAA pic.twitter.com/qyiqPDafWc
— The Sunday Game (@TheSundayGame) June 16, 2019
Clare also had one of their managers, Gerry O'Connor, sent to the stand in the first half after an incident involving Daniel Kearney. It occurred as a ball went out over the sideline.
Speaking on RTE Sport, former Waterford manager Derek McGrath was critical of the Clare man's conduct.
The pressure has got to him there. He's taken the emotion of the week and his behaviour is completely unnecessary.
Anthony Daly agreed "he'd no right to get involved like that," but was nevertheless pleased to see some bite in his native county.
O'Connor could face disciplinary action for his intervention. The possible infraction will be under law 7.2 (c) (Misconduct at Games by Team Officials) IIa: “Any type of physical interference with an opposing player or team official.” This carries a minimum suspension of eight weeks.
It finished Clare 2-23 Cork 2-18. A great result but ultimately not enough. Tipperary's victory over Limerick ensures Clare bow out of the Championship in June, but the Ennis faithful can rest assured they, at the very least, went down fighting.
