As All-Ireland hurling final day fast approaches, this week’s Clare Champion (out September 3) provides comprehensive coverage of the build-up. Galway face the formidable Kilkenny in the senior decider, while their minors, after beating Kilkenny in a replay, take on Tipperary for the Croke Park spectacle.
After many disappointments, the Tribesman believe 2015 is their year to bring both the Liam MacCarthy Cup and the Irish Press Cup across the Shannon.
There’s great excitement in Galway, following their single point win over Tipperary in a pulsating All-Ireland semi-final clash a couple of weeks ago. Several members of the team are from clubs in the South Galway area and they have many links with clubs, families and friends in neighbouring Clare.
The Clare Champion has interviews with players, former players and club officers, as a well as an overview on Sunday’s Croke Park showdown, and the underlying air is that of confidence, but with the caveat that nothing short of a 1 to 15 top class performance, can see the Tribesmen tame the Cats.
With the créme de la créme of hurling talent on view, the hope from fervent supporters and neutrals alike is that the game will deliver as a classic.
Of course, in Galway and may other counties, hurling followers will relish the thought of hearing The West’s Awake in celebration.
A native of Ennis, Colin McGann has been editor of The Clare Champion since August 2020. Former editor of The Clare People, he is a journalism and communications graduate of Dublin Institute of Technology.