*Clare players celebrate their win over Tipperary in the Munster MHC. Photograph: Gerard O’Neill.
CHARACTER of the Clare minor hurlers will encourage the Banner faithful to row behind the team according to the side’s manager.
Clare commenced their Munster minor championship campaign with an impressive display when defeating All-Ireland champions Tipperary 1-17 2-12 with Inagh/Kilnamona’s John Barry finishing with a personal haul of 0-14.
An opening round bye meant Clare were going into the tie slightly cold so it was very pleasing for manager Ger O’Connell to commence with a victory. “It’s an amazing feeling to get over the line. I mean we lost Dara Kennedy to injury on Tuesday night and we kind of kept it quiet. So while it was a big blow to the group and you could see that out there, by God they showed some character in the second half.
“We said from the word go that no matter what happens through injuries etc, it’s just the next man up and they showed that in the second half. I think the thing was that we didn’t show any respect there. We were kind of disappointed going in at half-time after we kind of let them [Tipperary] into it before the break. “We were jittery at the start, a bit nervous getting going and conceded an early goal but bounced back really well from it against the wind only to let them off the hook just before half-time. So we just had a go in the second half and to be honest it was character that won it in the end”.
O’Connell referenced former Clare underage hurler Joe Slattery in his post-match address, the Corofin teenager sustained life-changing injuries in a freak accident last year while preparing for an U16 final with Corofin/Ruan. “I just think that these players have been through a lot. Joe Slattery has meant a lot to this group, the boys are all wearing red bands and Clare supporters are probably wondering what’s the story there but it’s something that they wanted to do for Joe and Corofin and the group and we said that when the going’s getting tough, look at the band and get a bit extra and I think that’s exactly what they did”.
Focus immediately switches to this weekend for O’Connell and co, they welcome Cork to Dr Daly Park in Tulla, Saturday’s game begins at 2pm. “Cork are a completely different proposition now but our only focus was Tipp as you were coming up against the All-Ireland champions who would have been hurting from their opening defeat to Waterford. So this is just one win but it’s a great win for us.
“It’s a massive group win for us and anyone that knows me, I’m just a team player so no matter what it’s just the next man up and all about the team and group. The players and the whole management have bought into it and I’m just so proud of them.
“We’ve Cork in Tulla next Saturday and if you’re from East Clare, you know exactly what it means to play in Tulla, especially for older supporters who would have gone to numerous matches on the hill. I think people will turn to this group and will follow them because of the character they will show no matter what. I knew that coming in today, I just didn’t know where we’d be in relation to Tipp so we’re in a good place now and we’ll reset for the challenge of Cork,” the Clonlara man told The Clare Echo.
