*Manus Doherty and Eoin Cleary embrace at the final whistle. Photograph: Gerard O’Neill.
CLARE STARTED WELL but finished even better however there’s much to improve on despite recording a second win in Division 3, Páraic McMahon has the player ratings following the two point victory over Fermanagh.
Currently sitting in fourth spot following three rounds in Division 3 of the Allianz National Football League, it’s an accurate reading that Clare are doing well but must do better to guarantee promotion back to the second tier.
1: Eamon Tubridy (Doonbeg)
First choice goalkeeper for the third of three games, Tubridy wasn’t called on to make any defining saves but he was alert throughout, as evident by how sharp he was on his feet when Declan McGusker’s last ditch attempt bounced off the crossbar. Offering an option out the field and is showing he has the fitness required for such a role. Organising of his defence can improve.
Rating: 6
4: Cillian Rouine (Ennistymon)
Teak and tough, Rouine is well able to give his opponents a warm welcome to Cusack Park. Made some important turnovers such as one which created an Emmet McMahon score on fifteen minutes, timing of the tackles by the Lahinch man is enabling him to win those vital turnovers. Playing a bit loose when it comes to his marking but the cuteness of calling for medical assistance amid a wave of Fermanagh attacks was notable. A move to wing back would certainly strengthen Clare’s half-back line as Cillian offers power and an option going forward.
Rating: 7
3: Cillian Brennan (Clondegad)
Seamlessly solid, Cillian always goes about his business in a quite manner. Picked up vital breaks in the danger area to snuff any potential threat on several occasions and won a big free in the closing stages when Clare appeared to be outnumbered. Leading by example, the Clare captain never panics, even in the instances when he found himself isolated in a one on one.
Rating: 7
2: Manus Doherty (Éire Óg)
Lining out in Clare’s last line of attack but Manus ironically is one of the most important attacking threats in the side. The Éire Óg man once again finished the seventy minutes with a high level of carries and clocked up a sizeable distance, doing so at a fast pace as ever. Produced an impeccably timed tackle on Shane McGuillion late in the opening half to prevent a goal-scoring chance.
Rating: 8
18: Cillian McGroary (Corofin)
Wing back for a second successive start, Corofin’s McGroary was handed a place in the first fifteen after Fionn Kelleher missed out. Fermanagh picked off 1-3 running down his flank in the opening half where he was one of a number of players that could have done better and needed to, particularly with their tracking and organising. That said, he doesn’t appear to be out of his depth in what was his second start at senior inter-county level.
Rating: 5
9: Sean McAllister (Clondegad)
Tidy and composed in possession, Seán is attempting to do the right and smart thing when on the ball, this is evident in his distribution. Learning as his goes, the Clondegad clubman will need to have more of an influence and presence in games as the intensity dials up a notch.
Rating: 6
7: Alan Sweeney (St Breckan’s)
Not noted for hitting the back of the net but somehow Sweeney has ended up scoring a goal in Clare’s last two games. It shows the importance of Clare having a strong attacking threat from defence when backs are popping up with big scores. Was caught on more than one occasion when Fermanagh forwards showed quick feet to dodge the Doolin man.
Rating: 6
8: Brian McNamara (Cooraclare)
An aerial presence was missed around the middle third two weeks ago and it came back with a bang in the guise of Brian Mc. While Clare broke even on their own kickouts, they won the majority of Fermanagh’s restarts with the Cooraclare midfielder playing a central role in this. His composure on the ball and the threat he offers going forward resulted in him picking off a vital point on the sixty eighth minute.
Rating: 8
5: Ikem Ugwueru (Éire Óg)
Speaking of power, Ikem’s strength continues to be unmatched which is why opposing teams find it so difficult to stop the Ennis man. It was his run and break which made the move for Clare’s goal. Effective when on the ball but whether midfield and partnering McNamara is the best spot for him on this Clare team remains to be seen. When he attacks, the field opens up for Clare so Peter Keane and Co need to have him in a role where they is a regular occurrence.
Rating: 7
12: Daniel Walsh (Kilmurry Ibrickane)
With an over-zealous approach which lacked in discipline, Daniel’s involvement in the tie ended at half time when he was called ashore. Collected breaking ball around the middle but conceded three frees in the opening half which also saw him earn a yellow card making it an afternoon to forgot for the Kilmurry Ibrickane. It means Clare supporters can be hopeful as Walsh can deliver when it comes to issuing a response.
Rating: 5
10: Eoin Cleary (St Joseph’s Miltown)
One of the moments of the match saw Cleary turn over possession and produce a skilful flick on the run to scoop the ball in his hand before kicking a brilliant score which gave Clare a three point cushion at half time. His experience is a welcome addition to the Clare attack while he continues to keep the opposing defence on edge. For the second game in a row, he fired over a two pointer and every point matters.
Rating: 7
13: Ciaran Downes (Kilmihil)
Kicked two valuable second half points in succession as Clare regained the lead in the third quarter so Ciaran’s best spell came at an important time. Downes also got through a lot of unseen work and spent a lot of time in the Clare defence. For his primary function as a forward, the Kilmihil man needs to be more of a threat and more involved.
Rating: 6
11: Emmet McMahon (Kildysart)
Ten points over the course of seventy minutes from Emmet in a fine performance. He kicked off either foot from difficult angles but most impressive was he stood up when his team needed him to. Enjoying his football as is evident from the celebrations which followed some of his scores. Man of the match.
Rating: 8
14: Aaron Griffin (Lissycasey)
Looked like it was going to be a very lively afternoon for Aaron by his early involvement in proceedings. This included his role in assisting Alan Sweeney for the goal and winning an early free for Emmet McMahon. Such signs didn’t come to fruition as his influence waned considerably over the remainder of the tie.
Rating: 6
15: Keelan Sexton (Kilmurry Ibrickane)
While Keelan worked very hard and applied a lot of pressure through his tackling, he didn’t get the chance to really showcase what he can do. A lack of supply kept him out of the game while he was substituted not long after over cooking a pass to Alan Sweeney but is showing the appetite and workrate.
Rating: 6
Subs:
17: Connor Meaney (Lissycasey)
Not overly prominent when pushed in at wing back but Meaney made a very effective run down the wing in one of his few possessions. Did very little wrong in his second half stint, a bit more confidence to make himself available will see his input grow.
Rating: 6
19: Evan Cahill (Kilmurry Ibrickane)
He’ll sit his Leaving Certificate this June but Evan is passing all the tests when it comes to senior inter-county football. That he was called to action when Clare needed to start winning ball in the middle third shows the value management place him in and he duly delivered when landing some important plays. A bit more composure needed on the ball as typified with his rushed pass that went beyond Cormac Murray and out for a wide.
Rating: 7
Cormac Murray (St Joseph’s Miltown)
Given a six minute spell but not enough time to make an impression.
Darragh Burns (Doonbeg)
Received large cheers from Tommy Tubridy when introduced to the fray, deserves more time to show what he can do.
