Clare v Kilkenny preview: Tony Kelly and Banner can right wrongs of ...

All-Ireland SHC quarter-final – Kilkenny v Clare, 4.0, Croke Park, RTÉ2

The corresponding All-Ireland semi-final between these counties last year remains the only championship game in his last 33 that Tony Kelly has not scored in from play. For that, Mikey Butler can take a bow.

But even with Butler’s effective policing, what were the odds on Kelly not getting at least one opening to land a score? He won two frees (which he converted himself) but his tangible contribution aside from that was so minimal it was impossible to ignore.

For Clare, having their best player involved more is an obvious starting point tomorrow when they look to make improvements.

Good as Butler is, it’s unlikely and unreasonable to expect he can bring the same level of prohibition to their expected head-to-head. The opportunity for redress presents itself for one of the great players of the modern era to correct the record. It’s quite a motivation, even for a player that has accumulated so many highlights in the game.

Like Clare, Kelly seems to have bounced out of Munster final defeat to Limerick a lot better this time, certainly if the quarter-final is an accurate gauge. Twelve months earlier they struggled to put Wexford away – Dublin were done by half-time this time, a Kelly hat-trick sealing it after the break. Clare have named Conor Cleary, John Conlon and David McInerney to start and if they do come good, it will be very significant for them. Otherwise their defence is suspect, as Aaron Gillane illustrated in the Munster final. Clare don’t do upheaval well as their efforts to address Conlon’s absence in this game last year underlined.

There are a few changes, Mark Rodgers stepping up for Clare, David Blanchfield and Tom Phelan making bigger and better breakthroughs for Kilkenny. But it’s effectively the same teams.

Adrian Mullen is an interesting inclusion for Kilkenny having missed six weeks with a broken thumb. He was so influential last year.

Eoin Cody has led them magnificently in this championship and they have discovered a lethal goal touch in their last two games especially.

But another big moment has arrived in the journey for this Clare team, seeking a first Croke Park win in 10 years. Atonement for 2022, a game in which they shot 24 wides and dropped another four short, has to be high. For Kelly more than anyone. Apply greater economy this time and if injuries to those key defenders hold up, it might just be enough.

Kilkenny: E Murphy; M Butler, H Lawlor, T Walsh; D Blanchfield, R Reid, P Deegan; C Fogarty, A Mullen; T Phelan, M Keoghan, J Donnelly; B Ryan, TJ Reid, E Cody. Subs: D Brennan, C Delaney, C Buckley, P Walsh, D Corcoran, A Murphy, C Kenny, T Clifford, W Walsh, R Hogan, B Drennan.

Clare: E Quilligan; A Hogan, C Cleary, R Hayes; D Ryan, J Conlon, D McInerney; C Malone, D Fitzgerald; P Duggan, T Kelly, R Taylor; I Galvin, S O’Donnell, M Rodgers. Subs: E Foudy, A Shanagher, C Galvin, C Nolan, D Lohan, D Reidy P Crotty, P Flanagan, R Mounsey, S Morey, S Meehan.

Verdict: Clare