*David Reidy and David Fitzgerald in action. Photograph: Gerard O’Neill
RESILIENCE shown by Clare’s hurlers in the past can be replicated according to senior manager Brian Lohan who rued missed chances at “crucial periods” in Sunday’s Munster final.
For the third year in succession, Clare lost out in the provincial decider to Limerick with John Kiely’s side creating history by winning a sixth Munster title in a row.
While clearly disappointed with the result of Sunday’s Munster hurling final, Clare manager Brian Lohan expressed pride in his charges. “You have to put your hand up and say you are up against a really good opponent and while disappointed, we are still proud of our lads. They are still a resilient bunch, our lads fought hard”.
Asked if the minutes before and after half time were crucial he said “There were so many crucial periods in the game. We probably left a bit behind us as well and you can’t leave scores behind you. When we were missing crucial scores they get the only score. They were efficient as well, most of what they struck went over the bar. They are a tough team to play against”.
Mark Rodgers’ second half goal chance which rebounded off the post was a decisive moment, he acknowledged. “Those kind of breaks are massive in the context of the game and the timing as well”.
Lohan believed his charges needed to have been in front rather than level when Colm Lyons sounded the half-time whistle given that they played with the elements. “It was a four or five point breeze and to come in level was a bit disappointing for us”.
Speaking on the half hour delay to the throw-in and whether it had an impact, Lohan said, “it was the same for both teams. Generally when it’s the same for both you can’t have any complaints. Nothing could be done about it. It was a safety issue and the GAA handled it well”.
An All-Ireland quarter-final is next for Clare and that is what the panel will focus on, the manager stated. “This competition is finished now and we move on to a new competition. We will try and approach it as best we can. We have experience of losing to these guys before and the last time we lost to them we were able to bounce back”.
