Rested after a break in play, the 2018 All-Star attacks where the puckout is aimed towards, is there to snap up breaks and go. But if another Cork player secures possession he continues that run and they know their midfielder will be ahead of them targeting the spaces between the lines.
A run which requires calling for the pass and receiving it on the move, unable to see what’s over your shoulder. Most players prefer to receive a pass where they can see what’s in front of them, but when executed well the run in behind pierces defences and the former UCC student is a master at it.
Only twice has Fitzgibbon scored in the pocket, pointing from within his own half both times. Whereas for over half of his scores he received a pass whilst being ahead of the ball.
The two-time Munster winner has scored 10 of his 22 points within the opening quarter, as he leads the way for the Rebels setting the tone with early points.
Five of these have been within the first five minutes of the game. One of such was in response to Tipperary’s first minute goal in their Munster round-robin clash.
So far this summer he has come up with an instant reply for 1-07 conceded by Cork via the following restart, as well as stepping up to make it back-to-back points for Cork on four occasions.
Since his debut season in 2017 Fitzgibbon has faced Clare in league and championship on 10 occasions, and as with his record in the 2024 championship, the Cork midfielder has scored in every meeting. In total he’s amassed 1-19 to give him an average of over 0-02 per game – all from play – against the Banner county.
Fitzgibbon has looked unstoppable for Cork this season, and is behind only Shane O’Donnell as favourite to scoop the Hurler of the Year award.
But if Clare can work as a collective to have a player picking up Fitzgibbon upon every game restart, taking a head start between the Cork midfielder and where the puckout is heading, and continuing their covering run right through towards goal (as Fitzgibbon most certainly will), they can slow down Cork’s engine room.
All easier said than done at the pace Fitzgibbon goes at. But the performance of Cork’s joint top scorer from play will go a long way to deciding matters.