Clare U20 footballers need to have Tipp-top focus

Eoin Brennan previews Clare’s Munster Under 20 Football Championship Quarter-Final against Tipperary at Hennessy Memorial Park Miltown Malbay this Monday

Clare are hoping to open a new chapter when hosting neighbours Tipperary in a winner-takes-all tie in Miltown on Monday evening.

You see, while the Banner have contested three of the last five Munster Minor Football deciders, that development gap hasn’t exactly been bridged at Under 20 level where Clare have only beaten Waterford (twice) in their last 12 provincial matches over a decade long span.

The capture of the national Liam O’Connor Cup Under 20 competition a month ago against Wicklow has certainly bolstered confidence. However following a shock opening championship defeat to Waterford in 2021, manager Michael Neylon is determined to leave no stone unturned this time around.

“The league was very good for the group and great for development but both players and management realise that the championship will be a completely different level of football.

“The pace and the pressure ramps up for championship as the ground hardens so we’re steeling ourselves for a really tough battle on Monday night against a Tipperary side that retain seven starters from last year’s team that contested the Munster Final against Cork.”

“So our feet are firmly on the ground and we’re working hard to ensure that we put our best foot forward on Monday evening.”

Having overcome Tipperary twice in Cusack Park to secure the Daryl Darcy Cup in the Munster Minor equivalent three years ago, Miltown Malbay native Neylon is hoping that home advantage can count once more as the counties clash at Under 20 level for the first time since 2013.

“This is knock-out competition, you only get one bite at this and you’ve got to be right on the night. So I feel that if we get our attitude right with the level of focus that we had coming into the Liam O’Connor Cup Final against Wicklow, I would absolutely trust our players to perform to their potential on Monday.

“I think everyone realises that it’s a pressurised situation being knock-out but there is a huge focus on this group to get this right. We’re lucky to have some very experienced players who know that these knock-out games are there to be won so our aim is to get out there and play.

“And if we do perform, we feel that we’re going to be in with a great chance on Monday evening.”

Clare’s only injury concern is Lissycasey goalkeeper Thomas Collins who has been ruled with a dislocated knee.

Clare Under 20 Football Panel: Fionn Kelleher (St Joseph’s Doora/Barefield) (Joint-Captain), Eoin Rouine (Ennistymon) Joint-Captain); Gavin Carrig (Wolfe Tones), Eoghan Casey (Wolfe Tones), Thomas Collins (Lissycasey), Cian Corry (Killimer), Dylan Cunningham (Clooney-Quin), Odhran Cunningham (Killimer), Gavin Downes (Kilmihil), Micheál Garry (Cooraclare), Cillian Gavin (Clondegad), Fergal Ginnane (Kildysart), Shane Griffin (Lissycasey), Nicki Hardiman (St Joseph’s Doora/Barefield), Conor Hassett (Kildysart), Aaron Kelly (Wolfe Tones), Eoin Killeen (Doonbeg), Tadhg Lillis (Doonbeg), Cian Mahony (St Joseph’s Miltown), Cillian McGroary (Corofin), Ciaran McMahon (Ennistymon), Brian McNamara (Cooraclare), Brian McNamara (Ennistymon), Sean McNamara (Michael Cusack’s), Conor Meaney (Lissycasey), Thomas Meenaghan (Banner), Joshua Moloney (Kilmurry Ibrickane), Oisin O’Loughlin (St Breckan’s), Conor O’Mahoney (Doonbeg), Joe Rafferty (St Joseph’s Doora/Barefield), Brendy Rouine (Ennistymon), Eanna Rouine (Ennistymon), Eoin Walsh (Banner), Niall Walsh (Banner)

Management: Michael Neylon (Manager); Diarmuid Carroll, Colm Clancy, Sean O’Brien, Eoin Murray (Selectors), Oscar O Dwyer (S&C); Shane Callinan (Kilman)