On sporting occasions such as Munster final day, one can find themselves looking back and reminiscing on past glories.

With Clare going for a first Munster title since 1998, the county’s fans will be dreaming of celebrating an historic provincial success as fans flock to Semple Stadium for a blockbuster sell out that has all the ingredients to be a modern day classic.

The pairing of Clare and Limerick naturally draws back memories of 1995 and the former’s ending of a 63-year wait for provincial honours. With Ger Loughnane in charge, he, alongside a now iconic group of players showed the established order of the game little respect as the Banner County came from nowhere to usurp the traditional kingpins of the game in spectacular fashion.
 
Heading in to the final in ’95, Clare were without a provincial crown since 1932 and were hurting, especially considering the anguish suffered in the two previous Munster final defeats to Tipperary and Limerick in ‘93 and ‘94 respectively.

After their one-point Munster semi final win over Cork in 1995, Clare produced an inspired final display as Davy Fitzgerald’s penalty and now infamous sprint back to his goal captured the spirit and defiance of a team who were no longer willing to accept being second best.

From there Clare never looked back, ending an 81-year famine to secure All-Ireland glory while climbing the steps of the Hogan Stand again in 1997.

Three Munster title wins in four years for a county that had become all too accustomed to near misses and hard luck stories was an indescribable golden era for Clare hurling where people travelled across the country with not just hope but expectation.

It takes a special group to accomplish such feats and one of the leaders on that all conquering Clare side was current manager Brian Lohan.

The former full back fondly remembers tearing apart the Treaty in ’95 and the impact that crop of players had within the county and further afield.

“Those are great memories to look back on. It was a great day for all of us (winning the 1995 Munster final). The competition was just so tough especially with it being knockout. With the big two of Cork and Tipperary, it was hard to break through and get them out of the Munster final. There were not too many opportunities to break through, but luckily we managed to beat Limerick that year.”

Many of the players on that great Clare team have forged successful management careers including Lohan himself. The four time All Star credits that group of players for helping to leave a legacy for future generations to aspire to reach all while improving standards within Clare hurling.

“I suppose there was a great group there. You look at the footprint those guys left with their clubs and in different counties. Even Jamesie (O’Connor), Ollie (Baker), Dalo (Anthony Daly) and (Ger) Loughnane, they made a big impression on everyone.”

“The biggest example is probably Dalo in Dublin and the success he had. It’s great to see that so many have made an impression. They were a special group of lads.”

There are numerous common traits between this side and their leader, with their determination, spirit and disregard for an opponent’s reputation among the key characteristics which seem to define Lohan and his charges.

However, when this common observation is put towards Lohan, it is clear that it makes him uncomfortable. He instantly dismisses any references between the traits that have defined him and this crop of players.

“Ah no. That’s just talk on the outside.”

He instead shifts the focus to the people behind the scenes as he credits the professional nature of the backroom set up.

“We’ve a tremendous backroom team doing a super job. When you look at the S+C and nutrition, you see all the support staff are doing a brilliant job. It’s no accident we’ve won a couple of matches especially when you see the work that goes on by so many.”

Although the word ‘COVID’ has dominated the past two Championship campaigns, this year has seen a welcome return to normality with Semple Stadium a sell out for what promises to be a scintillating game of hurling.

The former Fitzgibbon Cup winning manager with UL admits that giving Clare’s loyal followers a Munster final to look forward to is important especially as many try to deal with the fallout of the pandemic.

“That’s important (giving people a boost after COVID). You can look at all our guys from various communities and the great pride they have when they represent their county, they know what it means. They try and produce for their families and clubs. It’s great if we can give people that lift after the last couple of years.”

Clare were overlooked in many quarters prior to the Championship commencing. With Limerick defending their Munster and All Ireland crowns, Waterford having secured the Division One Hurling League title and Cork having finished runners up in both competitions, those triumvirate were expected to progress to the knockout stages.

However, Clare didn’t read the script or certainly didn’t care for it as they managed to qualify for the Munster final with a game to spare.

“Maybe to people looking in there might have been pressure there to prove something. The group are fairly ambitious in terms of what they want. They put in a lot of commitment and they wouldn’t do it just to go through the motions. The players are giving everything so it’s good to get some element of a reward by reaching a Munster final.”

Another pleasing aspect of this run for Brian Lohan and his management team will be the display produced against Waterford. Clare were already assured of a Munster final berth while their opponents needed a win to have any chance of progression.

However, if anybody had arrived at a bustling Cusack Park, they would have thought Clare were the team fighting for their lives as they outhustled a Waterford side devoid of energy.

The fact Clare could shoot 3-31 without Tony Kelly highlighted the growing strength in depth with Lohan admitting he was very satisfied with how his side applied themselves.

“We all know that it is a 30 man game. Our panel is bigger than that but there’s a lot of work going in by a lot of people.

“When we had the opportunity to get some game time in to lads we were obviously going to take it.”

“We definitely have a very good home record so we were conscious of that. We performed well so we were delighted with that. The guys have been working really hard the last couple of months to be ready for Championship.”

The Clare manager wants his side to embrace the occasion in what will be a ferocious environment as these great rivals lock horns after their draw in the round robin series.

“We want to embrace and enjoy the occasion. It is a huge challenge for us because we are coming up against an excellent side. We have to be tuned in fully and put our best foot forward.”

“Coming in to the game it is an achievement to be in a Munster final. It’s a hard road to get here so we need to put in a good performance now. The competition is fairly intense so we are happy to be there.”

With Limerick firm favourites to secure a fourth Munster title in a row, this current crop of Clare players will need the performance of a lifetime to end a 24-year wait for provincial success.

Lohan is under no illusions to the greatness of this Limerick team as they are now the benchmark that all sides use to measure themselves up against.

“They are a super team. They have power, strength and are tactically excellent. They have tough men in there. Their record speaks for itself. They have won 12 out of their last 13 Championship games so we know the challenge that lies ahead.”

“Whether it’s in Munster or in the All Ireland (series), they are able to produce it. With all the support staff they have it’s a top class set up. You have to admire what they do.

“They are an excellent side and we are under no illusions that we face a huge challenge ahead.”