Kearney's work-rate and tracking lay the foundation for victory over the Banner

Clare were still within touch in injury time when Seamus Harnedy won Anthony Nash’s long puckout before heading straight for goal and lashing the ball past Donal Tuohy.

After winning just nine of their own 17 puck-outs in the first half, Cork went short much more after the break but they also used the ball much better on long puck-outs.

Shane O’Donnell and Conor McGrath made a combined 26 plays and while 1-5 came off that possession (O’Donnell played the pass to Kelly for the goal while McGrath had two assists for points) Clare needed a better scoring return from their two key inside forwards, especially considering the possession they had, and how threatening they often looked.

Clare were playing more of a structured game, especially in how they were set up, and in how they were consistently trying to create overlaps, whereas Cork were playing more off the cuff, and on instinct.

There was some surprise when he was named at wing-forward last week but Kearney’s work-rate was immense on Sunday.
