20/07/2024
Clare vs. Cork Hurling Final: A Preview
We've asked Eoin Harris to preview the All-Ireland Final using data from , who have compiled accurate stats from thousands of hurling and football games.
Prediction
While Cork's shooting stats suggest they could win, their recent drop in efficiency and opponents' poor free-taking may have masked some weaknesses. Clare should dominate the midfield battle and encourage Cork to go short with their puckouts. This allows Clare to cover more effectively from midfield back, limiting Cork's long puckouts and inviting them into Clare's defensive layer.
For Clare to secure a win, Cork must shoot below 66% efficiency, Clare’s free-taking must be precise, and they must dominate Cork’s long puckouts.
Key Stats and Strategies
Midfield Battle
Clare has an edge in turnovers, scoring 4-29 while conceding 3-29. Cork managed 1-27 but conceded 1-31, suggesting Clare might dominate the middle third.
Puckouts
Clare goes short 30% of the time, scoring 2-19 from these and 0-39 from mid-long puckouts, while conceding 0-27. Cork, who go short 35% of the time, have scored 1-19 but excelled with long puckouts, scoring 3-23 from beyond the 45m line. Clare has conceded only 0-09 from 33 opposition long puckouts.
Shooting Efficiency
Clare averages 40 shots per game with a 62% efficiency and an expected points tally of 26.3. Cork, however, averages 42 shots per game with a 69% efficiency and an expected points of 29.6. Clare concedes 4 goal shots per game, while Cork creates 4.1 goal shots per game.
Key Players
For Cork, Darragh Fitzgibbon, Shane Barrett, and Alan Connolly are top scorers. Barrett and Seamus Harnedy are also key assist providers. Clare relies on David Fitzgerald, Mark Rodgers, and Shane O’Donnell, who has been particularly effective with 41 shots assisted, leading to 35 points.
Long Puckout Battles
Clare's Peter Duggan and Shane O’Donnell have been crucial, winning 55% and 50% of long puckouts. Cork depends on Brian Hayes, Seamus Harnedy, and Shane Barrett for long puckouts.
Free taking - Cork have been giving up frees but have not been punished over the last two games.
