Former Clare star Jamesie O’Connor says he does not expect to see much shadow-boxing in the coming weeks as teams return to action in the Allianz Hurling League.

This weekend officially marks the start of the 2021 GAA season as the opening round of the Allianz Hurling League gets underway, with three games down for decision tomorrow and eight on Sunday.

While some feel that teams will be using the shortened league campaign as a mere warm up for the summer's championship, O’Connor reckons there is little to be gained by managers from holding back in games.

“There will be an element of managers not wanting to completely reveal any aces they might have up their sleeves over the coming weeks. But you cannot overthink these things,” the two-time All-Ireland winner wrote in his column for Sky Sports GAA.

“I've been guilty of that in the past. Back in 2001, we played Tipperary in the National League final, a few weeks before we were due to meet in the Munster Championship. In the back of my mind, I was holding back a little bit. That was ridiculous in hindsight.

“There is nothing to be gained from that. You have to go out and play each game on its merits. I think teams will be looking at the bigger picture, rather than playing mind games with the opposition.

“Brian Cody, Liam Sheedy, John Kiely and the rest, they will only be concerned about themselves. 'What is best for us?'

“Yes, everyone is gearing up for the summer and will have one eye on the summer. But a league win will not necessarily detract from that.”

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