The team that started the revolution

DESPITE the fact that Clare were raging hot favourites to retain the under-21 All-Ireland hurling title, Clare joint manager Donal Moloney said there was never any question of them taking things for granted.

“This had to be done for the team of 2010. We were so disappointed we didn’t win the All-Ireland minor title in 2010. There were the guys that started all the change; that started the revolution for us,” he said as he watched team captain, Paul Flanagan accept the All-Ireland trophy from GAA president, Liam O’Neill.

“We should cherish these times. We have a lot of very, very good players and we have some outstanding players.  No matter how hard people work at underage hurling and no matter how hard the clubs work, you won’t always have as crop like that. A new generation has come and  some of them are exceptional. Hopefully, the hard work will continue. These could be a very special few years for Clare”, Moloney said.

Moloney was delighted that Aaron Cunningham was able to play a part in this final. “It was really great to see him come through. He made a few great runs and he pushed himself when he went out on the pitch. He stood up to it.

Moloney wasn’t prepared to comment on what next for this group. “That’s for another day”, he said when asked what’s the next target.