By Peter McNamara
Davy Fitzgerald and Clare were maddened by the number of frees awarded to TJ Ryan’s side by Leesider Colm Lyons in the Munster SHC quarter-final in Thurles.
Shane Dowling converted 10 of them and also fired over a 65 therefore contributing 0-11 of Limerick’s total of 1-19.
However, the fact Davy Fitz made such a fuss – without directly saying he was annoyed by Lyons’ officiating in a way only Davy Fitz could – actually covered up a glaring issue for the Treaty men on the day.
The reality is Ryan’s outfit registered an uninspiring 1-8 in open play over 70-plus minutes of championship hurling while Clare scored 2-10 as Colin Ryan nailed just five frees.
Would even similar figures suffice against Tipperary in the provincial semi-final?
Hardly.
Cian Lynch’s refreshing and confident approach aside, Tipp, on the evidence presented, have little to fear from Limerick’s attack.
Hands up any defenders that fancy containing a two-man inside forward line consisting of Shane O’Donnell and Aaron Cunningham?
No takers? Didn’t think so.
Clare could easily dismiss a whole host of opponents in the All-Ireland qualifiers if both of these youngsters are stationed together as the front-line of Davy Fitz’s attack.
O’Donnell managed to register just 0-1 in Semple Stadium but caused Limerick’s full-back line untold problems through his movement and relentless work-ethic.
He has previously proved how ruthless he is when goalscoring opportunities present themselves.
However, the interesting element of O’Donnell’s psychological attitude is that even when the potential to raise a green flag seems virtually non-existent he will attempt to generate a goalscoring chance regardless.
Cunningham’s tally of 2-1 was no fluke to anybody aware of his scoring prowess at U21 level and that duo could guide Clare back into All-Ireland contention.
Monaghan will meet either Fermanagh or Antrim in the Ulster SFC semi-final.
With a full deck to choose from, Malachy O’Rourke will deploy a side capable of advancing to the provincial decider.
However, it was reiterated in Kingspan Breffni Park against Cavan that the Farney Army do not possess the required levels of high-quality artillery to mount an All-Ireland challenge.
Any team with genuine designs on lifting Sam Maguire need at least 22 high-class operators to rely upon on match-days to perform and win by a range of means if necessary.
Yet, were Dick Clerkin and Colin Walshe to be added to their starting line-up for their next assignment – and the latter is almost certain to start – who could O’Rourke reliably call on after those players if other first-choice operators are performing below-par?
Monaghan’s shortage of squad depth may haunt them later on.