Sports

When I was brought onto the panel in 2007, we were in a bit of a transition period. Our biggest problem was lack of belief and confidence, due to the fact very few players on the panel had success at intercounty hurling, whether that be underage or senior. The U21 win in ‘09 was crucial to the success in 2013. I felt like we finally belonged and we had beaten our peers in crucial games en route. This brings me to our current crop, sometimes I wonder if they are capable of winning an All Ireland and then I remember the confidence and belief they have gained from their abundant success at underage. While we still have a long way to go and to improve to be at the top table, in once off knockout hurling, you always have a chance when you have belief and these lads have it in spades. The performance last Saturday was a joy to …

Derrick Lynch As the euphoria in Tuam Stadium was dying down in the aftermath of Sunday’s win, Clare selector Ger Keane was heard to say “Right lads, are we back on Zoom so on Monday night?”. It summed up the manic nature of the 15 or so minute which had just unfolded with Clare’s championship future swaying in the wind before Laois eventually held off Kildare. The Kilkee native outlined that it was a surreal experience for all involved but felt that when reality hit, his side were deserving of their place in the last four. “It is unbelievable really to be honest. I am involved in football a long time but I was never involved in something so dramatic in waiting for the result to come in from the other game. We knew we just had to take care of our own business and after that it was out of our hands really. We built ourselves up for that …

Derrick Lynch When delegates of Clare’s GAA clubs gather for the 2020 Convention on December 15, it will be like never before. The night of Convention for Clare GAA is normally one that marks another step closer to Christmas with the mixture of decorations and the social gathering creating that atmosphere of another year drawing to a close. This time, the decorations will still be there but they will be in the homes of those who dial in to join the Microsoft Teams meeting for what will be a unique and hopefully never to be repeated experience. The setting this year might be different but it should not detract from the job of work at hand. The reality is that while 2020 was a strange and challenging year for all concerned, there will be no magic reset button on December 31 to make 2021 any better. It will hopefully be the year of the vaccine, but the harsh reality is …

Derrick Lynch Work rate was the main component identified by Brian Lohan as being key in seeing his side overcome Wexford to reach the All Ireland quarter-finals. A strong first half showing proved to be a chasm too deep for Wexford to bridge with the game put to bed by Tony Kelly’s 55th minute goal. Lohan was pleased with how Clare went out about their business and felt that some of the criticism aimed at the team after their one point win over Laois had been unjustified. “Very happy with that performance and how the guys worked all over the field. They were tough conditions and tough opponents who really put it up to us. It was in our lads, it was there, and there is spirit in the group. They were unlucky not to have a better result against Laois the last day and I thought we played well but unfortunately conceded a couple of goals. Laois are not a …

Derrick Lynch Four candidates have been nominated to succeed Joe Cooney as chairman of Clare GAA. The O’Callaghans Mills clubman will see his five year tenure come to an end at this year’s Convention on December 15, which will be held virtually due to Covid-19 restrictions. Cooraclare’s PJ McGuane, who is the current vice-chairman of the board, is one of the nominees for the chief position, while former provincial and county chairman Robert Frost of O’Callaghan’s Mills is also in the running for another term in the role. Current PRO and Crusheen chairman Michael O’Connor has been nominated for chairman, with Jack Chaplin of Cratloe completing the four man shortlist. All candidates must declare prior to Convention as to whether they are contesting for their positions, with clubs then casting their votes and the results revealed on the evening of December 15. The position of vice-chairman is also up for grabs with the outgoing PJ McGuane having held the post …

All Ireland winner with Limerick Shane Dowling has linked up with St Joseph’s Doora Barefield for the 2021 Clare IHC campaign. The Na Piarsigh clubman will coach the Parish along with being a selector alongside new manager Michael Guilfoyle, with the Feakle native taking over from club legend Seanie McMahon in that role. Vinny Sheedy will also form part of the backroom team. Dowling has always had a connection to the St Joseph’s club, and was a mascot with the team for the 2000 All Ireland Club hurling final. The 27-year-old announced his retirement from intercounty hurling with Limerick earlier this year after struggling to overcome a knee injury. He scored 21-292 in 59 league and championship games for his county, making him Limerick’s leading scorer of all time.

Derrick Lynch An already packed trophy cabinet got a new addition as Tony Kelly picked up another man of the match award for his scintillating showing against Wexford on Saturday afternoon. There is surely a holding spot already cleared for a second All Star award too, while the 2013 Hurler of the Year is surely now heading the shortlist for that accolade once more. 1-15 of Clare’s total came the way of the Ballyea man, but he was quick to deflect the praise onto those around him in the aftermath of the win. “Next week you might not hit a barn door, that is just the way the conditions are in this winter hurling. Sometimes the easier job is to put the ball over the bar, the harder job can be to win the puckouts, win the breaks and put the shoulder to the wheel. We don’t really mind whoever gets the scores. I have to mention Shane O’Donnell every …

Clare 1-21 Wexford 0-17 An outstanding showing from Tony Kelly saw Clare overcome Wexford to reach the quarter finals of the All Ireland hurling championship. The captain finished with 1-15 for his side with a cracking goal in the final quarter ultimately deciding the contest. Clare had the elements in their favour in the opening period and used them to full advantage to put ten points between the sides at the break. The main reason for that was a tour de force by All Star shoo in Tony Kelly who landed 0-10 in the opening period with some outstanding scores from either sideline among them. Wexford struggled to make inroads in attack and were limited to long range shooting in a tricky wind, with the vast majority drifting wide. Clare led 0-4 to 0-2 at the opening water break but were guilty of overplaying in the middle third with the wind at their backs. That changed in the second quarter …