Anthony Daly: Clare and Cork Strong, Kilkenny in Trouble

Former Clare hurling manager Anthony Daly has assessed the current state of the Munster Championship, stating that Clare and Cork are in a position to resolve minor issues ahead of the 2026 season, while expressing concern over Kilkenny’s prospects in the Leinster Championship.

Speaking to the Irish Examiner, Daly acknowledged that both Clare and Cork have shown sufficient form and structure in recent competitions to be considered genuine contenders, but noted that small tactical and disciplinary aspects still require refinement before the championship proper begins.

“Clare and Cork just have creases to iron,” Daly said. “They’ve got the foundation, the depth, and the experience. It’s now about fine-tuning — discipline in tight games, execution under pressure, and making sure the panel is peaking at the right time.”

Daly pointed to Clare’s strong league campaign and Cork’s improved consistency under their current management as indicators that both teams are on an upward trajectory. He highlighted the importance of player availability and injury management as key factors that could influence their championship readiness.

However, Daly expressed significant concern regarding Kilkenny, whom he referred to as “the Cats,” suggesting they are facing deeper challenges that go beyond mere tactical adjustments.

“Kilkenny are in huge bother,” Daly stated. “It’s not just about a few tweaks. They’re struggling with consistency, scoring efficiency, and maybe even belief in certain situations. When you look at their recent performances, We find questions about whether they have the same firepower and resilience that defined them for so long.”

The former All-Star and managerial figure noted that Kilkenny’s recent league and championship outputs have failed to match the standards set during their dominant era, raising concerns about their ability to compete for the Leinster title in 2026.

Daly’s comments come amid ongoing analysis of the provincial championships’ competitiveness, with Munster expected to be particularly open following Limerick’s recent transition and Waterford’s continued development. In Leinster, while Kilkenny remain a historical force, Daly’s assessment suggests that Dublin, Galway, or even Wexford could emerge as stronger contenders if Kilkenny fail to address their current shortcomings.

He emphasized that the coming weeks — particularly the pre-season tournaments and challenge matches — will be critical for all teams to identify weaknesses and implement corrections before the championship fixtures begin in earnest.

As of the 2026 National Hurling League conclusion, Clare finished in the top four of Division 1, Cork secured a mid-table finish with signs of late-season improvement, and Kilkenny struggled to convert chances despite a solid defensive record.

Daly, who managed Clare to an All-Ireland final appearance in 2013 and has since worked as a selector and pundit, stressed that while experience and pedigree matter, current form and adaptability are now more critical than ever in the modern inter-county game.

He concluded by urging all teams to use the remaining time wisely, noting that the margin between success and elimination in the championship is often determined by how well teams resolve their “creases” before the first whistle blows.