As a youngster, I could never understand the saying that: ”Any win is a good win in the first round of the Championship.” I’ve grown older, maybe slightly wiser, and through my own playing career have seen the sort of slip-ups good teams make in the heat of the their opening Championship round. On top of this, you had a Clare team full of confidence after dismantling the most recent All-Ireland runners-up on the previous weekend. Having had 22 wides against Waterford, the Banner men ridded themselves of those nervy and anxious mistakes for last weekend’s showdown against Tipp. Top it off with the biggest change, the presence of an actual crowd which Clare experienced, and I’d say it’s a job well done.

Please visit the My Club section for Paddy's full analysis, including why Tipperary chose not to contest puck-outs to the Clare full-back line