Duignan Says Unseen Heated Incident Inspired Clare Fightback Vs Cork

Cork and Clare played out a hugely dramatic and heated affair in their All-Ireland final rematch when the sides settled for a Munster Championship draw last weekend.

Cork's collapse was notable, the Rebels boasting a 12-point lead away to the All-Ireland champions before Deccie Dalton salvaged a late point to ensure they escaped with a draw.

The sending off of Shane Barrett, who appeared to hit Clare's David Reidy in the head, was a defining moment in the fixture after 57 minutes.

Clare would dominate from then onwards, although their comeback has been initiated by quick-fire goals in the second-half after being totally outplayed in the first.

Cork were exceptional for 35 minutes and Brian Hayes bagged two first half goals to inspire a breathless Rebels attack. Darragh Fitzgibbon and Alan Connolly caused havoc and the half-time score was 2-15 to 0-09.

Connolly scored some highlight reel points, but he was embroiled with Clare's Adam Hogan all game as tempers flared.

Both men were brandished yellow cards in the 45th minute after the Cork full-forward appeared to strike his opponent below the belt.

However, it was another incident between the rivals that GAA commentator Michael Duignan believes was a turning point in Clare's exciting comeback.

Duignan was in the commentary box for RTÉ on the day and pointed to an alleged incident following Hayes' second goal between the players.

Connolly did exceptionally well to set Hayes up for his strike, but Duignan claimed on commentary that he then tapped Hogan on the helmet as Cork celebrated their second goal of the game.

Brian Hayes bags a second goal. Very impressive showing by Cork so far.

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Speaking on the RTÉ GAA Podcast, Duignan elaborated on the moment which he feels brought out the aggression in Clare after the restart.

The game turned when Cork got the goal and Alan Connolly - who had a great battle with Adam Hogan - came out and tapped him on the helmet," he said.

"I don't know if you saw that... it was like poking the bear.

"The intensity definitely lifted after that. I don't know but I'd say it was referenced (at half-time). The second-half they were completely different.

"Cork had a mini collapse, Shane Barrett's sending off obviously had a massive impact, but Clare got a lot more physical and aggressive and there was a lot of off the ball stuff and Cork didn't seem to handle it great."

Cork welcome Tipperary to Páirc Uí Chaoimh this Sunday in a rematch of the Allian League final this weekend, while Clare travel to face Waterford.