Brought to you by Sure.
Imagine the consequences if Domhnall O’Donovan missed that shot.
There would have been no replay. Cork would have been the 2013 All-Ireland champions. A golden generation of Clare players wouldn’t even have one All-Ireland to their names.
When Clare midfielder Nicky O’Connell won a breaking ball in the last minute of the most evenly matched All-Ireland final in years, with his side one point down and needing a score, it’s fair to say that corner back Domhnall O’Donovan wouldn’t have been the man he was looking for to receive the pass and take the shot.
That’s no slight on O’Donovan, but the gritty corner back, renowned for his man-marking capabilities and tough-tackling, hadn’t scored a point in his three years career with the Banner up until then.
You’d be hard-pushed to find him ever even taking a shot.
The Clonlara stalwart was always one of Davy Fitzgerald’s most reliable players, but even Davy Fitz’ would have been excused for closing his eyes when the ball came O’Donovan’s way.
There’s men for the big occasion, however, there’s men that do it when it matters most, and then, then there’s Domhnall O’Donovan.
The 26-year-old ghosted up the field, he knew it was do or die, he knew it was now or never, he didn’t want to have any regrets.
Nicky O’Connell gave him the perfect pass and with one quick look at the goals, and a dart to his stronger left side, he gave it welly, he watched it intently.
It was one of the sweetest strikes of the day, one that Clare’s sharpshooters Tony Kelly and Podge Collins would have been proud of, and with it sailing over the bar, Clare lived to fight another day.
And as we all well know, the rest is history.
Sure is Ireland’s No.1 anti-perspirant brand and are the official statistics partner of the GAA. Join the conversation @Sure
Brought to you by Sure.
