*Robin Mounsey soloes away from Jack Grealish. Photograph: Gerard O’Neill
AS THE Clare senior hurlers fave into a new season there are a number of players seeking to claim regular places in the panel and one of these in Ruan’s Robin Mounsey.
Now in his third year in the senior squad having come through the minor and under 20 teams, serving a number of seasons with each, he is determined to feature on the senior side on a regular basis this year.
Speaking to The Clare Echo ahead of this weekend’s opening round in the Allianz National Hurling League, the TUS student detailed that injuries to key men have opened the door for others to try impress. “A lot of lads were called up to the panel this year and many have put their hands up. Because Brian (Lohan) gave so many a chance in the recent Munster league, there are more options now. With players like Tony (Kelly) and Ryan (Taylor) on the injured list at present, there will be opportunities for players to impress. Hopefully I can remain injury free and get more game time in the league”.
Robin believes that his hurling has been helped by the fact that he has played most of his underage hurling at A grade as the amalgamation of Ruan and their neighbours Corofin has made that possible.
He captained the combination to minor championship success and he was part of the Corofin/Ruan team which won the under 21 A title two years ago, defeating Newmarket-on-Fergus in the 2021 decider.
Mounsey felt their outings in the Munster senior hurling league against Limerick and Cork were valuable as they provided the opportunity for a lot of players to get game time. “We also had a challenge game against Tipperary when conditions weren’t good but everyone got a run out”.
At club level, Robin plays his football with Corofin and his hurling with Ruan, when it came to last year’s intermediate semi-final, Ruan exited at the hands of Corofin. “We didn’t give our best showing against Corofin. Look they were worthy champions and they went on to contest the Munster final,” Robin reflected.
For Sunday’s opening round against Cork, he expects a tough test but is hopeful of a strong Banner support in Cusack Park. “Cork are always good. They played a strong team in the Munster league which shows that they are determined to win and we will be the same. We will have five games against top class opposition in the league which will bring the team on in leaps and bounds. Clare hurling has a great following and I expect there will be a big crowd on Sunday. Hopefully we can get a bounce from the team’s performances last season. After Sunday we face two tough away trips before we are at home again”.
Robin acknowledges that “Limerick have been the team for the past couple of years. They were looking well in the Munster league, they were moving well. I suppose we beat them on the wrong day last year”.
For now the Ruan clubman’s aim is “to stay injury free and to get my name into contention for regular game time this season”.
