Tag Archives: Brian Lohan

There was pride and loads of it, but after the fall and after coming out on the wrong side of a hurling epic it was hard to find some words to explain the depths of Clare’s disappointment.  The hurt; the regrets, because there’s always more than a few in any losing dressing room. But Brian Lohan stepped out to talk the talk — as a player he had no truck for losing and as a manager, he’s the very same. It cuts to his core, as a man, as a hurler and as a manager.  Munster finals are for winning — he won three of them as a player and wanted this one for his players. He wanted it as badly as he wanted it when he had number three on his back, when Munster finals had all their distinct motivations — to beat Limerick in ’95 for that first one; Tipperary two years later because they were whipping boys …

On sporting occasions such as Munster final day, one can find themselves looking back and reminiscing on past glories. With Clare going for a first Munster title since 1998, the county’s fans will be dreaming of celebrating an historic provincial success as fans flock to Semple Stadium for a blockbuster sell out that has all the ingredients to be a modern day classic. The pairing of Clare and Limerick naturally draws back memories of 1995 and the former’s ending of a 63-year wait for provincial honours. With Ger Loughnane in charge, he, alongside a now iconic group of players showed the established order of the game little respect as the Banner County came from nowhere to usurp the traditional kingpins of the game in spectacular fashion.   Heading in to the final in ’95, Clare were without a provincial crown since 1932 and were hurting, especially considering the anguish suffered in the two previous Munster final defeats to Tipperary and …

It didn’t end in victory but Sunday’s box-office encounter was every bit as satisfying as the previous triumphs over Tipperary and Cork as Clare met fire with fire against runaway All-Ireland favourites Limerick. Having come into the championship firmly under most people’s radar, the Banner’s spectacular rising star over the past month also inevitably heightened the expectation levels that Brian Lohan’s men certainly matched if not surpassed in a sensational Shannonside derby in Cusack Park. “We are happy enough,” began Lohan afterwards. “With a big crowd in Ennis, there was a little bit of expectation from our own supporters who came in their droves to support the team and we were probably under a little bit of pressure to make sure that we didn’t disappoint them. I am happy enough that we performed to a reasonable level. “This place hasn’t been packed for a while and there hasn’t been as big a demand for tickets in a while. And when …

There were a lot of fanciful dates been thrown around in Semple Stadium in the aftermath of Sunday’s second successive victory about the last time Clare beat both Tipperary and Cork in the championship. 1955? ’56?, the truth is much closer as Brian Lohan and Co. managed to not only overcome Cork and Tipperary to win their second Munster title in three years in 1997 but doubled the dose in the All-Ireland decider against the Premier. Exactly 25 years later, doubling the dose was a significant objective for Lohan the manager and his side as having ambushed Tipperary, it was all about matching that hungry display to exact full revenge on the Rebels who had knocked them out of the All-Ireland series last July. “The lads were just right today, the first half in particular they really worked hard, put in a great shift, played some brilliant hurling and got some great scores so I’m delighted with how the lads …

AS last weekend’s opening results reiterated, expectation is the root of all heartache, writes Eoin Brennan. No matter what realistic picture you paint of injuries, absentees or retirements, supporters are invariably diseased with hope and wild optimism at the start of every season thus providing a painful landing when crashing back down to earth. Clare and Wexford can attest to that in recent weeks as both reached their provincial warm-up finals, only to be handed sizeable defeats by Limerick and Dublin. And yet expectations were again thrown out the window following the first round of the National League. Having been humbled by 16 points in the Walsh Cup Final, Wexford supporters still feared the worst when Limerick rolled into town last Sunday. However, Darragh Egan’s reign began in earnest that day as the Wexicans were always going to be a different animal at home as they went toe-to-toe with the back-to-back All-Ireland champions to provide the perfect jolt. It should …

Brian Lohan gets to appraise his squad as the Munster Hurling Cup begins, writes Ivan Smyth NO matter what 15 take to the field for Clare’s Munster Hurling Cup clash with Waterford in Cusack Park this Saturday (throw in 1.30pm), the goal for the players selected will be the same, lay down the gauntlet for the rest of the year. With the competition being run on a knockout basis, Brian Lohan wants to see the younger players impress from the start against a Waterford side who will also be out for the first time this year. “The big thing with any pre season competition is to get game time into lads. The players who have joined the panel have been working hard and training hard. We’ve got good opposition at the weekend so it’s an opportunity for players to show what they can do.” “It’ hard enough to get these opportunities. You want to play as many guys as possible. …

PLANS by Clare hurling manager Brian Lohan for a new Aldi store in Ennis are being challenged by a number of objectors who have lodged appeals to An Bord Pleanala. Among those opposing the proposal are the representative body for independent grocery store owners The Retail Grocery Dairy & Allied Trades Association (RGDATA). The group stated, “If left unchecked the cumulative effect of significant new convenience retail developments at multiple neighbourhood locations poses a real threat to the future vitality and viability of the town centre. “This has the potential to compromise the delivery of town centre expansion.” Appeals have also been lodged by Paul and Kay Ryan of Ryan’s Centra and Harnett Homes and Estate Developers. Moam Property Ltd & Lohan Property Ltd are behind the plans for a change of use from a retail warehouse to a discount foodstore at the Westpoint Retail Park on the Kilrush Road. Last month Clare County Council gave the proposal the green-light …

PLANS for a second Aldi store in Ennis have been given the green light by Clare County Council despite opposition from local retailers. The council has granted planning permission, subject to 10 conditions, to Brian Lohan for a change of use from retail warehouse to a discount food store at the Westpoint Retail Park on the Kilrush Road. Assessing the proposal, planners with Clare County Council determined that the existing building “has been underutilised for some time and its redevelopment at this location would be positive and enhance the vibrancy of this particular part of the town”. Aldi have already confirmed their intention to open a new store in the retail park if planning permission was granted for the change of use. According to Aldi this new outlet will create 30 new permanent jobs at the store, and up to 50 construction jobs, with the aim of opening in late 2023. A number of local businesses had voiced concern about …