Anthony Daly believes Clare failed to show the aggression needed to ignite their home crowd during their heavy defeat to Limerick.
John Kiely’s side ran out emphatic 2-30 to 1-18 winners in Ennis, with Clare well off the pace from the outset, something manager Brian Lohan later described as the worst first-half performance of his tenure.
But speaking on the Dalo’s Hurling Show podcast Anthony Daly took issue with more than just tactics or execution.
Alongside Mark Landers and TJ Ryan, the former Clare boss and captain felt the Banner simply didn’t bring enough physical edge to the contest, particularly in a key first-half moment involving Diarmaid Byrnes and Shane O’Donnell.
Byrnes delivered a heavy shoulder on O’Donnell that referee Michael Kennedy waved on, though replays suggested it may have been high enough to warrant a free, and possibly more.
@lfcfortreble Burnsey😤#limerick #gaa #hurling #viral #fypppppppppppppp ♬ original sound – 𝑱𝑿𝒁
Recommended
Daly Criticises Clare Response To Diarmaid Byrnes Hit On Shane O’Donnell
For Anthony Daly, however, the bigger issue was Clare’s lack of reaction.
That’s the Ollie Baker bit I’m on about. That’s the fire bit I’m on about.
Byrnes-y should have been put up on his arse there, and a good schemozzle. I’d have no issue with Byrnesy, I’d say right, you gave the first one, but you’re getting it back.
Daly insisted he wasn’t advocating dirty play, but rather a fearless response to stand up for a teammate.
You’re seeing the man who has carried you on his back, missed a year with concussion, getting downed like that… and no one comes in.
He pointed to the type of edge that defined the Clare team he captained, namechecking figures like Ollie Baker and Colin Lynch.
Who wants to be taking on a Diarmaid Byrnes? What a specimen. But we have enough specimens up there.
For Anthony Daly, that moment could have sparked something, both within the Clare team and in the stands.
Our crowd couldn’t get behind the team because our lads didn’t go into it… not in a dangerous way, but in a completely fearless way.
His conclusion summed up his frustration.
Fire in the belly, ice in the brain, that’s what you need these days. I thought we were lacking a little bit of both.
On a day where Clare were comprehensively outplayed, Daly’s comments suggest the defeat wasn’t just about skill or structure, but something more fundamental.
SEE ALSO: Shefflin Compares Offaly To Ballyhale Despite ‘Concern’ After Big Kilkenny Win
SEE ALSO: GAA On TV This Week: Full Schedule, Times And Channels Info