Tag Archives: Ken Ralph

It was an enthralling hurling summer that Clare understandably never wanted to end but while supporters still bask in those indelible championship memories, the players and management themselves have long since parked 2022 and have been gearing towards not only emulating but eclipsing those feats in the coming season. Of course, with such ambitions comes heightened expectations, something which selector Ken Ralph only welcomes as they prepare for their first real tests of 2023 over the next eight weeks. “I would hope that expectations have risen because we had a reasonably good year last year. Obviously it didn’t end too great but we were happy with the majority of our championship run and we have to push on now. We have to kick on and improve and with that inevitably comes expectation and we hope to meet that this year and try and go a couple of steps further than we did last year.” Having incrementally finished each of their …

Clare selector Ken Ralph wants to build upon the current feel good factor surrounding hurling within the county. The Clare minors, heartbreakingly denied in the Munster final on Wednesday night, has the county’s supporters excited by the talent emerging. The U-20s will also feel they could have progressed further after losing winning hands against both Limerick and Cork. Ralph is keen to give supporters more to shout about against the all conquering Limerick side. “It’s brilliant that our minors reached the Munster final. It was unfortunate for the U-20s because they could just as easily have beaten both teams. There’s green shoots there and a buzz about the place so we hope that continues. You can see it in the supporters, there’s a buzz there.” Despite dipping well below their usual standards, John Kiely’s outfit managed to secure a 3-21 to 0-23 triumph against Tipperary as late goals from substitute Conor Boylan and Aaron Gillane put an end to any …

Although Ken Ralph has more than earned his Banner citizenship, an intriguing sub plot to this weekend’s clash with Tipperary is the selector trying to defeat his county of origin. Ralph represented Tipperary at minor and U-21 level before he was offered a job at De Beers (now Element Six). After initially living in Limerick, he migrated to Clarecastle as he helped the Magpies enjoy some of the greatest days in their history, when winning county titles in 1997 and 2003. Although the two time county champion with Clarecastle admits that he does hold a soft spot for Tipperary, there is no doubting his determination to inflict a second straight loss on Colm Bonnar’s charges. “Coming up against Tipp is something I’ve dealt with years ago. I’m in Clare longer than I was in Tipp. I do have a soft spot for Tipp but my kids were born in Clare. I’d nearly be forgiven for rooting for Clare. When Clare …