This is a David v Goliath story

Clare Intermediate Hurling Championship Final

Back at the helm this year for another stint Pat Taaffe is certainly the man that knows how to take Tubber into county finals. Back to back final defeats in 2017 and 2018 still haunt the man who stepped down after a quarter final loss to Barefield in 2019 with the Tubber manager joking he’d rather win one than contest loads of finals.
“I’ve had enough of losing finals to be honest about it. I’d rather get to one and win it then to get to loads and lose” he laughs ” but joking aside the reality is we are massive underdogs going into this final too and everybody expects us to lose but everybody will know that we as we always do in Tubber will battle right to the death and sure one never knows where that will take us.”
There’s a massive buzz around the place and everybody is looking forward to Cusack Park and the occasion itself according to the hugely likeable Tubber manager but Pat feels they are extremely lucky to be there.
“Ah tis fantastic to be in another final but if we’re being honest about it we’re rather fortunate to be here. We got lucky in the quarter final win over Clarecastle with the venue. We’ve played in Corofin for as long as I can remember and even this year it was our third time playing there. I think it didn’t help Clarecastle as I don’t think the magpies would have had done much hurling in that pitch. The semi final then was really cruel on Killanena and I genuinely felt for them. It was one of the worst days weather wise and it really affected them. Our lads have way too much experience that the rain didn’t bother them one bit so again we had a stroke of luck there. Whatever luck we have had though we will need a hell of a lot more just to stay in touch with Wolfe Tones.”
Favourites for the title before a ball was picked the Shannon outfit have an Inter-county player in every line of the field and Pat feels that it’s similar to the year Kilmaley were down in the grade.
” Wolfe Tones have ambitions of winning an All Ireland club such is there quality at this grade. It’s very similar to Kilmaley the year they came down. Sure Kilmaley never got out of second gear and they still comfortably won the Championship. Wolfe Tones have players who played in massive games, won All Ireland’s at every grade including Senior. Sure the two Lohan’s, Rory Hayes, Aron Shanagher and Aaron Cunningham would walk into any Senior club side. They are a team packed with quality. In John Guilfoyle they have a tremendous Captain and a quality hurler. I would have had John with me in development squads many moons ago and he’s another outstanding hurler. We are taking on a side packed with quality and it’s honestly a real David and Goliath story.”
No matter the result Taaffe is adamant the occasion should be enjoyed and references the Tubber Tigers as an example of what county finals are all about.
” Look it’s terrific to be heading to the park for a final and everybody is buzzing. The mothers of the young children have really embraced it. The Tubber Tigers will play the half time game and that’s what the GAA is all about. All those children seeing their club colours on the big day and being part of the occasion is brilliant and the whole community is delighted. We just hope we can stay in the game and give them something to shout about.”
Although Pat is playing down their chances of an upset with Wolfe Tones  rightly firm favourites his Tubber team will battle for every ball.
“One thing I can guarantee is that we will battle as if our lives depend on it. We don’t know any other way in North Clare. We’re an honest hard working team and the lads will absolutely give it their all. Sure what more can you ask of them? “