Mark Rodgers gets away from Conor Prunty. Photograph: Gerard O’Neill
FACING CORK in Ennis this weekend is a knockout tie, Clare forward Mark Rodgers maintained.
Fresh from successive Munster championship wins over Limerick and Waterford, Brian Lohan’s side are searching for a third victory on the trot to potentially book a spot in the Munster final for the second year but confirm their progression to the All-Ireland series.
Speaking to The Clare Echo, Rodgers who lined out at wing forward in the Waterford win due to Aidan McCarthy’s injury noted the importance their supporters have made on their journey thus far. “The Munster Championship is cut throat. Cork will now be a knockout game. We have to go out and throw the kitchen sink at it. They are a good side but Ennis will be rocking.
“Our supporters are incredible. Today Waterford were late coming out for the second half and this place was rocking. Those supporters keep us going and when you hear them in full voice it drives you on. We will need them next Sunday because if we win we are back where we want to be and that’s a Munster Final”.
When he was speaking pitch-side a fortnight ago after defeating All-Ireland champions Limerick, the Scariff man was grounded and stressed the need to follow it up. “We obviously had a great win two weeks ago against Limerick but we said all week it would have meant nothing if we didn’t come here and back it up. We got on top and we took over in the second half”.
McCarthy’s absence did result in a positional switch for Rodgers but it also saw Ian Galvin collect a starting spot. Mark credited the Clonlara man’s contribution as pivotal. “The goal was vital in a tight opening period and fair play to Ian. It shows the strength of our panel that after not featuring against Limerick he comes in today and bags 1-1. It’s a credit to Brian that he’s brought in an awful amount of top players and it’s great to have a squad. It makes you better because if you’re not performing someone else will come in and do the job. We all want to be playing for the county senior team”.
A knee injury curtailed the UL student’s involvement in last year’s campaign, getting three championship games under his belt is something he is very content with. “I’ve been injury free lately and that’s been crucial for me to be able to get a consistent run of games. We’ve a great S&C team and they do a wonderful job. I’m just delighted to be able to contribute any chance I get. It’s fantastic to be having a straight run at games. Every game you play brings you on that bit more”.
