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04th Jun 2019

Unmerciful finisher Callanan has legends in his sights

Niall McIntyre

Brought to you by Centra #WeAreHurling

Seamie Callanan has legends in his sights.

The Clare defenders stand gazing. Seamie Callanan takes a few steps back. Jason Forde’s free looks to be sailing over but with a strong west of Ireland breeze blowing across Cusack Park, anything is possible.

Off the post but the Drom and Inch club man is ready. He has the ball controlled before the Clare defenders know where it was. He sells Pat O’Connor one of those deceptive, darting dummies and then he starts to wind up.

Clare heads are in hands. Callanan doesn’t just go to finish it, he goes to bore a hole in the back of Donal Tuohy’s net. His two feet leap clean up off the ground as he goes to strike the ball giving an indication of the sheer power he looks put it away with.

30.

Bang. In his 50th championship appearance in blue and gold, Callanan’s 30th goal sees him surpass Lar Corbett as the county’s leading championship goalscorer. His celebration shows the significance of the record. Clare are a beaten docket.

It’s a remarkable achievement from the 30-year-old as he takes a step into Premier County folklore. In his sights now are legends from all over the country.

Three more goals will see him level with Christy Ring and DJ Carey in the championship charts. Eddie Keher is a further two ahead. Wexford men Tony Doran and Nicky Rackard are out on their own though.

Callanan isn’t the only Tipperary man on form. The McGraths of Loughmore-Castleiney are playing some of the sharpest hurling you’ll see while Bonner Maher and all the backs are thundering into tackles.

Tipperary will take some beating.

It was just as disappointing for Clare as it was for Waterford, the Déise similarly savaged in their home patch. Gearoid Hegarty was the main man as Limerick got their campaign back on track in the south east of the country.

The spirited displays of youngsters Conor Prunty and Callum Lyons in defence will give Waterford some hope to cling on to.

Here are some of the weekend’s highlights brought to you by #WeAreHurling.

Tipperary’s class

Dublin back on track as Carlow derailed.

A deeply depressing end to Waterford who are out of Munster and back to the drawing board.

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