*Brian O’Connell. Photograph: Gerard O’Neill
CLARE’S MINOR hurlers can seal their place in the Munster semi-final with a win at home to Cork this evening (Tuesday).
By Tomás McCarthy
Cork are the guests in O’Garney Park, Sixmilebridge where Tipperary official Alan Tierney will commence proceedings at 7pm.
Fresh from holding on for a one point win over Waterford on Friday night, Brian O’Connell’s charges had to contend with “a quick turnaround” for their final outing in the round robin series. “We’re in a good position in the group now whereas there was a lot of pressure on us to win that Waterford game”.
O’Connell was “delighted” with their win away to Waterford. “We made hard work of it. We were a good couple of points up at half time and there wasn’t any bad wind or anything but it just seemed very difficult for us to get the ball up the field in that second half. We knew that Waterford were going to fight tooth and nail, it was their last chance, so we knew we were going to get everything thrown at us. Delighted the way we responded right at the death to have the composure to put that last ball over the bar”.
He added, “We were being put under pressure. We wanted to work the ball out and we were being put under good pressure by them. To have the composure to still do it in the last play of the game and then work the point it’s very pleasing. We’ve loads to do. We didn’t think we were as sharp or as good as we should have been. Loads of work to do but really happy with the win”.
Ex Clare senior captain, BOC was hopeful their victory in Fraher Field could be referenced for some time to come during their season. “It’s just the excitement of it all. A lot of clapping on the back and congratulating each other. It could be the making of us. We had to show good character to come out there. The Waterford crowd were cheering every score that went over in the second half. It could be the making of us. We’re all delighted, a happy dressing room”.
