DESPITE sitting top of the table with a 100 percent record, Cork could still miss out on a place in the Munster SHC final.
Heading into the final round of group games, the Rebels, Clare and Limerick are battling for the two decider spots. Once again, the Munster championship has delivered drama to the very end.
As Cork prepare to host Clare in Páirc Uí Chaoimh on Sunday (4pm), however, injury concerns continue to mount.
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Ciarán Joyce (cruciate ligament) and Robert Downey (ankle) had already been ruled out for the remainder of the Munster campaign after sustaining injuries against Limerick.
Captain Darragh Fitzgibbon (appendicitis) and Robbie O’Flynn (hamstring) will also miss the clash with the Banner.
Clare, meanwhile, arrive in Cork with renewed momentum after a commanding 1-25 to 0-17 victory over All-Ireland champions Tipperary knocked Tipp out of the championship.
The recent head-to-head record also favours Brian Lohan’s side. Cork have won just one of the last seven championship meetings between the counties – the 2021 All-Ireland qualifier in the Gaelic Grounds. Included in that run was Clare’s 3-26 to 3-24 victory in Páirc Uí Chaoimh in 2024.
Even when Clare exited the championship at the provincial stage last year, they still managed a 2-24 to 3-21 draw with the Rebels.
The omens and injury list may not favour Cork, but reaching a Munster final remains the target for a side still hurting from the league final defeat to Limerick.
With several key absentees, Cork will need big performances from forwards Alan Connolly, William Buckley, Brian Hayes and Shane Barrett, while Barry Walsh can now focus solely on senior duty following the end of the U20 championship campaign.
Damien Cahalane deputised impressively for Joyce at full-back against Waterford, while Eoin Downey also turned in a solid display at centre-back.
One of the key selection decisions for Cork will centre around midfield in Fitzgibbon’s absence. Tommy O’Connell could move back into the middle after featuring at wing-back in the previous outing.
For Clare, Mark Rodgers is a doubt after picking up a knock against Tipperary. Considering he is their leading scorer in the championship with 0-21, his absence would be a significant blow.
The Banner can still rely on the experience of Tony Kelly, Shane O’Donnell and John Conlon, while younger talents such as Diarmuid Stritch, Seán Rynne and Niall O’Farrell are becoming increasingly influential.
Cork boss Ben O’Connor has made it clear since before the season began that he wants his side to win every game. Victory here would underline Cork’s resilience and could also provide an important confidence boost for some of the squad’s fringe players.
