Tag Archives: Patrick O’Connor. hurling

Patrick O’Connor won’t be lining out for his third Munster Final this Sunday due to his continued rehabilitation from a cruciate injury. However as the captain of Clare’s last two provincial deciders, he would be only too delighted to see the Banner finally bridge a 24-year gap to their last title in Semple Stadium. “I’m in a different place now in that I’m currently transitioning from running straight to twisting and turning and in that current condition, I’d have no place out on the field. It might be different six or eight weeks further down the line but for the moment, I’m happy to be supporting the lads from the sideline. “Look, there are so many lads out there that I’ve soldiered with for a long long time that there would be no happier person in Thurles on Sunday to see John [Conlon], Tony [Kelly] or lads like that get their just rewards for sticking with it and driving things …

TUBBER’S Pat O’Connor, who was recently appointed as the Clare senior hurling captain for 2017, is keeping his fingers crossed that he will manage some game time before Clare’s participation in the 2017 league ends. Speaking to The Clare Champion this week, he paid tribute to the physios and medical team at Santry. “I am hoping to play some bit before the league ends but, realistically, getting up to the pace required, the time frame might be a bit too soon.” He continued, “At this stage, I have little or no pain. I am back into full gym and I can swing a hurley. The next step is to get into contact. Realistically, I will be looking at the Clare Champion Cup to get back to sharpness.” The All-Ireland medal winner from 2013 said being appointed Clare captain is a “massive honour”. “I was nearly the last to find out, as I couldn’t make training that evening. It was a …