Limerick game ‘better than two weeks of training’ – Mulqueen

SATURDAY’S 100 minutes of action against Limerick was “better than two weeks of training”, according to experienced Clare mentor Louis Mulqueen, a former Clare and Galway trainer.
“It was intense and competitive and it will be of particular benefit to young players in helping them gain experience at inter-county level. This was actually the first competitive inter-county senior game for many of those involved,” according to the Ennis CBS school principal.
“There were a couple of edges to this game. We need to start well in the league and the first game is against Limerick. Psychologically, both teams didn’t want to lose on Saturday. Standing up as a team was very important where a lot of those involved are starting their senior inter-county careers. It sends out a message that Clare will be strong and competitive and I am very happy with that,” Mulqueen said.
“We went out with great heart and we fought for every ball in difficult conditions. We haven’t been training in conditions like that. The field was in great shape for this time of the year but we have been training mainly on an AstroTurf pitch and it was very difficult then in such conditions so early in the season. I am very happy with the way players accounted for themselves. They stood their ground and didn’t buckle or collapse or back down. It’s very important to make a statement that young lads are willing to give their all for the jersey and to play competitively for the county,” according to the Clare selector.
Mulqueen is also very happy with the level of support for the team. “I have been around with a lot of Clare teams and we seem to be generating a lot of support and I am very pleased with this. We have about 35 players who are all under 24 and it’s important that they have an organised structure. They have got the support so far and there is great goodwill in the county. People want Clare to do well and will get behind the lads and that is so important for all involved. It was very warming to see the team do well against Limerick as we are giving young lads a chance to stake a claim for a place in the side.”
“The league is important. In the new structure, it is important for Clare to progress to the latter stage of the competition, particularly because of the big game we have in the championship in June when we need to give a good account of ourselves. This is a starting base for Clare,” he concluded.