Cork must be wondering what they have to do to beat Clare. Seven points up last year in Páirc Uí Chaoimh in the second half, seven points up against them in the All-Ireland final... lost both games. This time up in Cusack Park, up 12 points at half-time but more importantly way ahead of Clare in every aspect of the game. Even the most ardent of home supporters were saying 'how much will Cork win by?' They were so dominant, they could and should have been more ahead. Pat Ryan no doubt warned Cork to keep tipping the points over in the second half. I'm sure Brian Lohan was chewing iron at the break, wondering why Clare were playing so poorly. The management trying to get their heads around it, and more importantly, trying to get it into the players' heads that they were All-Ireland champions hurling in their own back yard. Most of all the players must have been feeling disgusted with themselves. There was only one thing Clare could do... roll up the sleeves and get on with it. That is exactly what they did. I think Cork helped them in a big way by leaving Robert Downey at centre-back when he was clearly injured. It was one of the main reasons Clare got two goals at the start of the second half, bringing them right back and getting the home crowd baying for blood. The champions were a different team from then on. Darragh Lohan got to grips with Brian Hayes and Adam Hogan frustrated Alan Connelly, who eventually had to be taken off. David McInerney was now on top in the half-back line but above all else, Clare's attitude changed completely. While they were waiting in the first half for things to happen, they were now making things happen, putting Cork under pressure all over the field, and landing high ball into the full-forward line where Eoin Downey and company were having problems with Peter 'the Tower' Duggan. Mark Rodgers and David Reidy were now causing trouble for the Cork half-back line too. The introduction of Aaron Shanagher and especially Ian Galvin also disrupted Cork's defence. Ryan Taylor and especially Cathal Malone at midfield gave Cork no time on the ball, who were still running hard but without the ball this time. Clare's attitude more than anything else transformed, putting their bodies on the line and scrapping for every crumb from the table... always a good sign of a team. Another huge help to Clare's cause, one of the most important ones, was Shane Barrett getting himself sent off when his team were nine points up. A silly off-the-ball incident with David Reidy in front of the linesman was only going to end one way. He cost his team big time with that moment of madness. I'm sure Pat Ryan and his management will be getting that message across to him. It is very important to keep your discipline, especially in a cauldron-like Ennis was on Sunday. It gave Clare a big lift and they took full advantage. I know Cork give out about referees sometimes, but they can't have any gripe with Liam Gordon. If anyone should have a gripe, I'd say it should be Clare! In my opinion, injury time was well up when he gave Cork the free to draw and save them further embarrassment. I'm sure Pat Ryan will have some harsh words for his players because when you have a foot on a team's throat, you have got to keep it there. Talking to a lot of Cork supporters after the game, they felt like it was nearly a defeat. But the best about this Munster championship is that you have to get yourself up and ready for the next game. Cork face Tipp next Sunday, a Tipp team that will be fired up after getting a good draw with Limerick, so Cork are forewarned. Clare head to Waterford, now a huge game, especially with Waterford being fresh and waiting in the long grass, the complete opposite to Clare who will be recovering from the hectic game in Cusack Park. How much did that game take out of Clare and Cork? We will know after next Sunday. A great start to the Munster Championship.