At the start of the 2013 hurling season, Clare’s aim was to win their first game in the Munster championship and to do well in this competition.

 

“After the Cork game we had to re-assess. We are lucky to have got a second chance. We are in the quarter finals now and there are just six teams left in the title race and, at this stage, any of them can beat the others on a given day”.

So said Clare midfielder/forward Colin Ryan (pictured) ahead of Sunday’s eagerly awaited clash with Galway.

According to Colin Clare are just concentrating on Sunday’s game and trying to get a performance.

“Irrespective of who provides the opposition, it’s an all-Ireland quarter final,” he told the Clare Champion.

The Newmarket man says Clare are fully aware of the threat posed by Galway.
“It’s not that long ago since we were humiliated by them in Salthill. They were in the All-Ireland final last year and were unlucky not to win on the first occasion. We know what to expect”.

According to Colin, both teams believe they can win this one and it will depend on who get the upperhand on the day. Our teamwork is getting stronger all the time. The unity in the game is as good as it ever was.

“Momentum is building and if it comes out on Sunday we will be going a long way to getting a result.”

On the other hand, he acknowledges that, Galway have the nucleus of the team which was very unlucky not to have won last year’s All-Ireland on the first day.

“They will be disappointed with their performances so far this season. We are fully aware of what they have to offer,” he said.
Is it a problem trying to keep players fresh given the involvement of so many of the squad with the senior and U-21 teams?

“The management of both teams seem to be able to manage this. We are lucky to have so many players involved with both teams and we all know that there is no point in burning them out. They love matches and they have had 10 days to recover from the Waterford game in Walsh Park last week. They will be fit and ready for Sunday,” he replied.

According to Ryan, who accounted for some vital scores when Clare made the breakthrough to win the Munster and All-Ireland U-21 titles in 2009, “Clare supporters have been patient with us. Sunday is a big day, one we haven’t had since 2008. I hope they will come out and give us support in Thurles on Sunday.”.

 

Radical improvement needed, claims former star

Former Galway hurler Steve Mahon knows what it takes to win All-Ireland honours. A member of the Galway squad that brought home the Liam McCarthy Cup in 1980 and 1986 – he missed out on ’87 due to injury – he went on to serve as a mentor with a variety of Galway teams.

He is well versed on Galway and Clare hurling and can be seen regularly at club games in both counties. Resident just over the Clare border in the parish of Beagh he is concerned about Galway’s chances ahead of Sunday’s clash with Clare at Thurles.
“Unless Galway show a radical improvement, I cannot see them beating Clare. They have to make two or three changes to the team which played in the Leinster final against Dublin, if they are to have a chance”, he said.

“Galway were lucky to overcome Laois. They got a goal at a vital time in that game. Clare blew Laois out if it at Cusack Park a few weeks back. Galway haven’t performed this year but the way the championship is going, there is no guarantee as to what might happen”, the Kilbeacanty native said.

He agreed that there are concerns amongst the Galway patrons about the make up of their team and particularly the spine of their defence and he is expecting some changes in this area for Sunday.
“Galway haven’t addressed any of these problems during the league. They have problems in the central defensive positions and they haven’s improved these areas” he said.

The former all-star midfielder warned “if they are expecting Joe Canning to pull them out of the fire every day, they are making a mistake. Teams will pull back someone in front of him and cut off the supply and you can’t score without the ball”
Mahon believes that Clare aren’t utilising their full-forward line enough.

“The handpassing style they are using doesn’t suit the fast forwards that they have,” he said.
“They need to be more direct if they are going to progress, especially with the full forwards they have. They don’t utilise Darach Honan enough. Clare have proved this year that they can put up big scores and it’s worrying that the Galway backs have been poor to date.

He believes that Clare have improved with recent outings. “You have to be performing. The more matches teams are getting the better they are getting. Clare have been putting up bigger scores. Thurles will suit fast forward like Clare have. If Clare can rack up scores like they are doing, its going to be hard to stop them”, he warned.

“If Galway are to progress, they must get to grips with the game in the half back and midfield areas. There is no point in being physically strong unless you get to the ball. You have to be fast and skilful. It’s all about pace now.”

“Galway have to show on Sunday that they have a spine and pride in the jersey and in themselves. Without that, you are going nowhere,” he concluded