*Ronan Kilroy charges out of defence. Photograph: Ruth Griffin.
HAVING BEEN a late addition to the Clare senior hurling panel, Ronan Kilroy is cherishing every opportunity to wear the saffron and blue jersey, colours which are already familiar to him.
By Gearóid Howley
The 19-year-old linked up with Brian Lohan’s squad just over a month ago, becoming one of three Under-20 players involved in the setup alongside Sixmilebridge’s Mark Sheedy and Cratloe’s Jamie Moylan.
It was a historic occasion for the Banner club when Clare faced Wexford in Zimmer Biomet Páirc Chíosóg as for the first time the reigning Junior A champions had two players in the starting Clare senior team. Kilroy made his first start following two appearances off the bench, and Shane Meehan has started every game of the league thus far at corner forward.
Speaking to The Clare Echo following Sunday’s three point win over Wexford, Ronan expressed his gratitude towards the management for putting their faith in him. “I was only called in a few weeks ago now but I’m cherishing every moment of it. It’s every child’s dream to play for Clare and I’m so glad I got the opportunity. It’s tough work, but it’s what you have to do to play at the highest level”.
Just four days prior to being handed his inaugural start for the Clare senior hurlers, the UL student won the Freshers All-Ireland Hurling Championship with the college, lining out in his usual role around the middle third. He then reverted to the corner-back position he is currently being trialled at for the county side, even chipping in with a point on the day.
The Ennis native said it has been a challenging adaption process, but one he is enjoying. “It was tough being thrown into the backs, but when you’ve experienced lads like Adam Hogan and Conor Cleary alongside you, they’re a great help. They only give you positive feedback and positive motivation the whole time, they’re brilliant. It’s a good test and I’m just happy to be involved”.
Having bounced straight back up to Division 1A, the Minor All-Ireland winner in 2023 felt there has been plenty of positives to take from Clare’s campaign in the second tier. “To be fair, most of the teams in Division 1B have been great tests, they’re very valuable. Lads like myself have got great run-outs, it’s good to get tough games under the belt and we’re just excited for the championship ahead”.
Following their victory in round six, Clare are now heading into the National League final unbeaten, a streak they’ll be hoping to maintain before setting their sights on the opening round of the Munster Championship against Waterford, which takes place a fortnight later on home soil. “We’ll rest and regroup and we’ll be looking at that league final. Then we’ll have two weeks of good hard work before looking forward to welcoming Waterford here and hopefully a good crowd will come out and support us”.
