Sports

Derrick Lynch Munster SHC Quarter-Final: Limerick 0-36 Clare 1-23 The freakish and unpredictable nature of 2020 has been evident across all facets of life, but from a Clare point of view, there was a sobering feel of reality at the full time whistle in Thurles. It might not have been the same surrender that was witnessed in the Gaelic Grounds 12 months ago, but there was no disputing that the Banner once more had to play second fiddle to their slicker, more powerful neighbours. Going into detail about who scored what and when almost seems like a secondary concern when the nature of the defeat raises far bigger questions than who won the game. The reality is that Clare were competitive for the opening 35 minutes but much of that was down to the fact that Limerick were yet to press the clutch to even find second gear. When they did, there was a sense of inevitability as a run …

As I write, the anticipation of the new Covid restrictions hangs over the nation. The distraction of GAA this past weekend has been a God send. I hope with the introduction of rapid testing, like in Wexford last week, and GAA being ultra-cautious with all its match day protocols, that we will see more. Over the coming months, with the days getting shorter and evenings darker the discussion of games around the country will be a welcome change from the constant doom and gloom. Now, more than ever, the GAA will have to play an important role, even it is does feel strange heading into a Winter championship. In the year that was in it, I am extremely grateful that club got the opportunity to come first. I will honestly say I have watched more club games this year than any other. I am firmly of the opinion that hurling should never take over your life but I did feel …

Derrick Lynch Clare manager Brian Lohan has outlined that there is some concern surrounding the form of his side coming into Sunday’s Munster SHC quarter-final clash with Limerick. The Banner will finalise their team for the clash on Friday evening, with recent results in challenge games against Cork and Kilkenny providing plenty for Lohan and his management team to consider. Five goals were conceded in each of those games as Clare suffered defeat, and the Wolfe Tones clubman admitted that is something they are worried about. “We have had a few challenge games over the last few weeks and tried to learn a bit from them. We will know Sunday how much we have taken from those matches. In those games we seem to be leaking scores at one end and not scoring at the other end so that is a concern.We are where we are but it is not ideal. We got back in the middle of September but …

Preview: Clare v Armagh National Football League Division Two Round 7 The packed competitive nature of Division Two was never more evident than ahead of this weekend’s final round of games. As things stand, six of the eight teams in the division are all still in the hunt for promotion to the top tier, while four are still looking over their shoulder at the prospect of joining Fermanagh in relegation. From a Clare point of view, both fates are still on the cards but crucially, their fate in staying in the second tier for a sixth consecutive season is firmly in their own hands. The simple fact of the matter is Clare will cement their place in the division for 2021 with victory over Armagh, and it will come down to a plethora of results elsewhere to see if something more than that awaits. With all that to consider, the focus for Colm Collins and his management team will be …

Derrick Lynch For David Reidy, the wait to return to intercounty championship action has been longer than most. The Eire Óg sharpshooter opted to take a break from the county panel for the 2018 season in order to focus on his studies, which culminated in him securing a job in the marketing department of LIT. His return to the set up for the 2020 season was cut short with the outbreak of Covid-19 but with the championship now on the horizon, the focus is on the challenge that lies ahead with neighbours Limerick. Ahead of the start of the 2020 championship, Reidy feels there is still some trepidation among players surrounding Covid-19 concerns. He is happy that all efforts are being made to ensure that all involved are kept as safe as possible, but stressed that there is no room for complacency in those standards. “It seems to be a really mixed opinion to be honest and we saw that …

Derrick Lynch Tony Kelly will be hoping to carry his outstanding club championship forward into Sunday’s Munster SHC showdown with Limerick as the Banner look to get championship life under Brian Lohan off to the perfect start. The 2013 Hurler of the Year was in sparkling form for Ballyea as they reached the semi-finals of the Clare club championship, with attentions now turning to another battle with their Shannonside neighbours. Kelly, a teacher in St Flannan’s College, feels all precautions have been taken to keep the squad safe from Covid-19 and outlined his view that everyone must be on the same sheet to ensure protocols work. “Obviously there is concerns but from a personal point of view, I’m happy enough to play away. I feel that the times that we’re in, they’re incredibly strange. They’re unprecedented really. No one could have forecast this to come. I think the times that we’re in if some player didn’t want to play or …

Derrick Lynch Clare’s minor football season looks to be over before it began with reports breaking on Wednesday morning that all underage competitions were to be put on hold during Level 5 Covid-19 restrictions. Dermot Coughlan’s charges were to be the last Clare underage side to embark on provincial action as they were preparing to travel to Thurles to take on Tipperary in the Munster quarter-final on Saturday afternoon. The announcement of Level 5 restrictions on Monday evening led to much speculation as to what the future held for underage competitions with elite sport and intercounty action given the go-ahead to continue. Reports began to circulate on Wednesday morning that a Government official had confirmed that it was only senior level games that would be given the green light to continue after midnight on Wednesday, meaning the Banner’s trip to Thurles was left in jeporady. Speaking on Wednesday Coughlan, who is in his 12th year involved with Clare underage sides …

Derrick Lynch Clare boss Sean Doyle had no complaints about the final result after seeing his side bow out of the Munster U20 hurling championship. Failure to score for 26 minutes of the second period proved fatal for the Banner as Tipperary turned a four point half time deficit into a ten point victory. Doyle and his management team had to plan without a number of key players for the game and he says while it had an impact, they are not using it as an excuse. “We knew we needed to be six or seven points up at half time because there was a good breeze out there and we are young inexperienced team. Tipperary were psychically that bit better and they ran amok a bit there in the second half. I think you have to give credit to our lads though. We were rocked for the last two weeks with the spate of injuries. I know it is …