Michael Duignan 'hunch' is for Clare and their 'settled bench'

While Michael Duignan was very impressed with how Cork got the better of Limerick, his "hunch" is telling him that Clare will edge Sunday's All-Ireland SHC final, noting that the Banner may have more off the bench.

It's 11 years since this year's finalists met in the decider, with the Banner prevailing after the replay.

Earlier this year, the duo played out a thriller in Munster, with Clare winning by two points.

Don't be surprised if we're back at GAA Headquarters on 3 August for a replay to sort out who'll get their hands on Liam MacCarthy.

Limerick's 'drive for five' was stopped by Pat Ryan's ravenous Rebels, a performance that certainly impressed the two-time Offaly All-Ireland winner, with Duignan telling the RTÉ GAA Podcast: "Cork produced one of the all-time great displays to beat Limerick.

"They had so much work done individually on every Limerick player. It was a masterclass from the seventh floor looking down in terms of right across the field. They had almost every blade of grass and every tactic figured to the last and got it all right on the day."

As for Clare, the current Offaly GAA chairperson also sees a lot to like, when adding: "John Conlon reminds me of a real dominant Under-14 player, playing centre-back. He sits back, covers left and right; it is very old school in the modern game. It's not a sweeper per se, but it is a covering role.

"Tony Kelly is a player that can really come to life, Shane O'Donnell in the form he's in is unmarkable. I would start Cathal Malone, keep Ryan Taylor in reserve."

Michael Duignan thinks that while Cork's starting XV were superb against Limerick, Clare's bench could have more impact in the All-Ireland final.
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