DAVY FITZGERALD PUT his hands up after All-Ireland champions Clare went down to Dublin in Parnell Park yesterday.
The Clare boss saw his lose out by six points in a Division 1A clash where their opponents ‘fought like tigers’ and the Banner players were ‘not at the races’
“Dublin were much better. They were a lot more hungry. Dublin fought like tigers today. We could have taken points at the end - we went for goals from frees – it could have been a lot closer. But I still think it would have been unjust if we were closer.
“We didn’t play with the same enthusiasm, with the same fire as we normally would. Just not at the races whatsoever. I’m not happy with the second goal we gave away. You shouldn’t have a midfielder going up inside in the square scoring a goal like that, that’s unacceptable from our behalf.”
Fitzgerald pinpointed Clare’s contest for puckouts as part of their downfall.
“We were hammered on them. You could see Liam Rushe, we tried to keep the ball away from him in the second-half completely, but he was just ending up coming over behind the breaks. He had a great game today.”
Fitzgibbon Cup commitments midweek did contribute to the energy levels of some of Clare’s players being sapped. Tony Kelly, Shane O’Donnell, Seadna Morey and Conor Ryan were all in third-level action during the week.
“You could see it in a few of them today”, admitted Fitzgerald. “It does take its toll. The game last Wednesday was very competitive. you had three or four players tied up in that. They weren’t themselves. There’s no excuse for the other 10 as well out there.
“After winning the All-Ireland we were pulled and dragged all over the place. You’re not going to have a performance every day. They’re a young bunch of lads and I’m not going to put that much pressure on them.”
