Clare vs Kerry Preview
Clare and Kerry will clash in the Munster Senior Football Championship final for the third year in a row on May 4th. Kerry are gunning for their fifth straight title at Fitzgerald Stadium. The Banner Men are out for revenge after back-to-back heartbreaks.
Clare have not won an SFC since 1992 and have consistently fallen short of the Kingdom on the big day. Can they finally get one over on their provincial rivals, or will Kerry maintain dominance at the forefront of football in Munster?
Clare vs Kerry Predictions
Score prediction: Clare 1-20 – 3-27 Kerry
One of our best GAA predictions this week is for Kerry to claim a record-extending 86th Munster Senior Football Championship on Sunday. Kerry, led by manager Jack O’Connor, brings a deep well of experience into the final. Many of their players have lined out in several Munster deciders. Up front, the dynamic Clifford brothers lead the team.
David and Paudie have repeatedly delivered when it matters most. David’s clinical finishing and Paudie’s creativity are key components of Kerry’s attacking threat. However, Paudie will be suspended for this crunch clash. The composure and leadership of Seán O’Shea will be required in his absence. At the back, Jason Foley and Tadhg Morley provide a dependable defensive spine, giving Kerry stability and assurance.
Kerry’s tactical approach revolves around a high-intensity attacking game, leveraging the exceptional talents of David and Paudie Clifford. Despite Paudie’s suspension for this game, David’s attacking nous will prove invaluable. He was in top form to help Kerry through to the final in the semi against Cork, scoring 9 points. The younger Clifford was ever-present during Kerry’s title-winning National Football Championship campaign this season. He will be the heartbeat of any attacking efforts here.
However, the absence of key players due to suspension may challenge their cohesion. Suspension rules out Paudie Clifford, while injury sidelines Shane Ryan, Paul Murphy, and Graham O’Sullivan. The returns of Tom O’Sullivan and Mike Breen should make them stronger defensively, but there is no doubt that the loss of Clifford and Ryan, in particular, are big blows in a huge game.
Kerry are runaway favourites, but Clare can look at their last performance and know they will have opportunities in attack. Cork took the Kingdom into extra time as Kerry squeezed past to reach the final. The absences of O’Sullivan and Breen were felt defensively. Their returns do not mean it will be plain sailing, though. If Clare can maintain their defensive muscle and find clean breaks, they can stun Kerry.
The midfield battle between Kerry’s Seán O’Shea and Clare’s midfield duo will be crucial. O’Shea’s ability to dictate play and link defence with attack will be pivotal in Kerry’s dominance. Clare’s defensive setup will test David Clifford’s brilliance. His ability to break through defensive lines and create scoring opportunities will be a deciding factor. Clare’s defence, led by Cillian Brennan, will need to withstand Kerry’s attacking onslaught. Their ability to contain Clifford and O’Shea will be critical in limiting Kerry’s scoring potential.
Clare’s resilience and determination cannot be underestimated. However, Kerry’s superior experience, depth, and individual brilliance make them the favourites to secure another provincial title. Unless Clare can produce a performance of exceptional quality and cohesion, we expect Kerry to emerge victorious, continuing their dominance in Munster football.
Players To Watch
- Cillian Brennan (Clare, Defender): Cillian Brennan is a key figure in the Clare senior football team and has developed into one of the most reliable defenders in the game. He will be the man tasked with keeping David Clifford quiet. His strengths lie primarily in his defensive awareness, reading of the game, and calmness under pressure. As a full-back or centre-back, Brennan consistently positions himself well. He has an unrivalled understanding of Gaelic Football positions, which allows him to cut out dangerous passes, track attacking runs, and provide strong cover for his teammates. This is a huge task, but Brennan will feel up to it.
- David Clifford (Kerry, Full Forward): David Clifford is widely regarded as one of the most complete Gaelic footballers of his generation, and his strengths span almost every facet of the game. His scoring ability is his most prominent asset. He consistently delivers high point totals, from open play and placed balls. Clifford will be Kerry’s talisman when attacking in this game.
Clare vs Kerry Betting Tips
- Full-Time Result – Clare to win: There is not enough value in a bet on Kerry here. They are gargantuan favourites at 1/33. Instead, it is worth taking a gamble on Clare to spring a huge surprise in the Munster Senior Football Championship final. A bet on Clare to win is worth 14/1.
- Handicap – Kerry -15: The best way to back Kerry is by betting on the handicap. The return of O’Sullivan and Breen will tighten their defence from their last game and limit Clare more than Cork. The Kingdom’s attacking depth and talent are incredible. They can outscore Clare comfortably. Anyone betting on the GAA can bet on Kerry to cover the handicap, worth 5/6.
- RTE Man of the Match – David Clifford: In attack, David Clifford is arguably the best player in GAA football. He will lead Kerry’s formidable attack and can shine in a Munster final once again. Back the younger Clifford to win the RTE Man of the Match award, worth 7/1 at our online bookmaker.
Clare vs Kerry Head-To-Head and Key Stats
The last meeting between these sides came in last year’s Munster SFC final. Kerry secured their 85th Munster Senior Football Championship title with a composed 0-23 to 1-13 victory. The Kingdom were pushed hard, but their experience told as they pulled clear in the second half. Clare produced a spirited display and trailed by just four at half-time. Shane Murphy was twice denied goal chances on either side of the break.
However, Kerry responded with a ruthless scoring burst, led by Paudie Clifford and Sean O’Shea. That pushed them 0-20 to 0-11 ahead. Clare rallied again through a stunning solo goal from Ikem Ugwueru. O’Shea stopped the rally with a late brace. A solid defensive finish ensured Kerry’s 13th Munster crown in 15 seasons. The Kingdom’s class ultimately proved too much for a brave but outgunned Banner side.
Clare met Tipperary on April 19th in the Munster SFC semi-finals. The Banner Men booked their place in a third consecutive Munster Senior Football Final with a 2-18 to 1-15 victory. Inspired by Mark McInerney’s two goals, Clare built an eleven-point lead midway through the second half before withstanding a spirited late rally from the visitors. McInerney’s first goal came during a 1-5 blitz in the opening period. That helped them to a 1-8 to 0-9 interval lead, despite a flurry of Tipperary points from Darragh Brennan.
Brennan’s second shortly after the break sparked another dominant Clare surge. Tipperary fought back admirably, with late scores from Paudie Feehan and a flicked goal by Sean O’Connor reducing the deficit to just four. However, Clare held firm with late points from Keelan Sexton and Emmet McMahon to seal the win.
Kerry edged a thrilling Munster semi-final after extra time, defeating a spirited Cork side 3-21 to 1-25 in a pulsating clash. Kerry led by seven points in the first half after scores from David Clifford and Paul Geaney. Two-pointer efforts from Steven O’Driscoll helped Cork reduce the gap to 0-11 to 0-9 at the break.
Cork roared back in the second half. Despite Paul Geaney netting for Kerry, the momentum swung after a red card for Clifford. Chris Óg Jones scored, and Sean O’Shea’s late goal forced extra time. Cork briefly led again, but Joe O’Connor’s superb strike pegged them back. O’Connor’s dramatic 86th-minute goal sealed victory for the Kingdom, who looked in danger of being dethroned by the resurgent Rebels. Kerry advanced to the Munster final against Clare, but not without a major scare from their old rivals.
