Tipperary manager Declan Ryan has aired his wish not to see his side join the swelling ranks of beaten favourites this summer, but anything less than a victory for the Premier County in Limerick would be a major shock.
Down’s defeat to Armagh in Ulster last weekend certainly caught the eye and will have come as a timely reminder that anything is possible on any given day in the Championship.
But Tipp have the benefit of a tough game already under their belts. They overcame Cork at Semple Stadium, showing great resolve to ward off a second half comeback by the Rebels.
Clare boss Ger O’Loughlin was in Thurles that day and admitted afterwards that he was greatly impressed by the ‘composure’ shown by the All-Ireland champions.
And that’s the problem Clare face. Success breeds confidence and no matter what the Banner throw at Tipp on Sunday, Declan Ryan’s men will not be fazed.
Tipp attacker Seamus Callinan made a good point when he said that his side is full of leaders. Whereas in the past the Premier would have been overly-reliant on Eoin Kelly for scores, now everyone is contributing thus relieving the pressure on the Mullinahone clubman.
Tipp also have the benefit of knowing their best side and have made just one change from the side that saw off Cork. Conor O’Mahony comes into the defence in the absence of the injured Paddy Stapleton. O’Mahony’s inclusion sees Padraic Maher move to wing-back and John O’Keeffe slot in at corner-back.
Clare have not had a competitive game since they lost the Allianz League Division 2 final to Limerick. The Banner desperately wanted to regain top flight status but Limerick, under the steady stewardship of Donal O’Grady, are just that bit further down the road at the moment.
But Clare will have taken great heart from the Treatymen’s performance against Waterford last Sunday, and will hope they can make Tipperary work as hard as the Déise were made to for their Munster final place.
O’Loughlin has a young outfit at his disposal and he will give three players their Championship debuts on Sunday. Patrick O'Connor, Cathal McInerney and Conor McGrath will all get their chance to impress at the highest level in a team that shows a raft of changes from the one that lost out in the league decider.
Kilkenny showed there is plenty of fight left in them in their Leinster semi-final victory over Wexford last Saturday. Tipp will be hoping to make a similar statement of intent. For Clare’s sake, let’s hope it’s not too bold a statement.
Verdict: Tipperary
