Exit door opens for Clare backroom team

*Niall Romer. Photograph: Gerard O’Neill

AHEAD of the All-Ireland SHC semi-final, one of the more prominent members of Clare’s backroom team has left the set-up.

Over the weekend, it emerged that Clare kit man Niall Romer who has been involved for the past five seasons has left his role as Clare prepare for a season-defining clash with Kilkenny in Croke Park and bid to reach the All-Ireland final for the first time in eleven years.

However The Clare Echo earlier incorrectly reported that St Joseph’s Doora/Barefield clubman O’Neill had left the set-up in solidarity with Romer. Kieran joined the senior backroom team in the past three seasons.

As Clare get set to lock horns with Kilkenny in the All-Ireland SHC for the third year in a row, Kieran has been present for training and he confirmed he will be present in Croke Park as Lohan’s side look to overcome the Cats and reach the All-Ireland decider for the first time in eleven years.

Romer’s exit has been confirmed but the exact reason surrounding his departure and the reasons for it have yet to come to light, the Clare camp as ever has remained tight-lipped on the matter.

Following the Munster SHC final six point loss to Limerick, there had been reports of clashes within the camp, some of which involved players and mentors.

The Clare Echo understands that Romer who has coached teams at all levels with his native Kilmaley and was held in esteem following a coaching stint with the Banner, was not shy in voicing his opinion following one of the exchanges in training. Action was not taken until after Clare bounced back with a strong quarter-final win over Wexford to take action over this.

Romer has been kit man for the Clare senior hurlers since Lohan was appointed as Clare manager and has driven the T Shiels & Co sponsored kit van since January 2020. This vehicle as of this week has a new driver.

Prior to Lohan’s appointment, the Kilmaley man in his role as County Board delegate was one of the more vocal representatives, particularly during the latter stages of Pat Fitzgerald’s tenure as county secretary.