Nine-time All-Ireland winner Jackie Tyrrell says “the lack of fight” from Clare’s defence was one of the most worrying aspects in their heavy defeat to Cork on Sunday.

The Rebels came away from Ennis with a 6-20 to 0-23 victory which has all but relegated the All-Ireland champions to Division 1B of the Allianz Hurling League for next season.

Speaking on Allianz League Sunday afterwards, Tyrrell was strong in his criticism of the Liam McCarthy Cup holders’ display on the day.

"They just really weren't at it today. They had no energy. So casual," said the Kilkenny great.

"I don't know what you’d even describe that as (David Fitzgerald's sideline), just hits it straight to Sean O'Donoghue and over the bar.

"But some of the stuff. They were jogging around after Cork lads. I mean, Conor Leen's effort here to get out and tighten up on Declan Dalton. It's really, really poor.

"He should have been nearly pulled off after this. Declan Dalton has time to look around and flick it over the bar."

"The lack of defending and the lack of fight from the defence was the really worrying thing.

"They had five of the defence from last year, the full back and the centre back from last year, they should have had a strong spine, should have had fire. They had none of that."

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