Clare's Mark Rogers has praised his side's resilience in overcoming adversity to win the All-Ireland title last season.
After a string of semi-final disappointments and final defeats to Limerick in Munster, Banner County ended an 11-year wait for the Liam MacCarthy Cup with a thrilling final victory against Cork.
Clare suffered narrow semi-final defeats to Kilkenny in 2022 and 2023, while Munster's final defeat to Limerick last year could have created the impression of history repeating itself.
However, having beaten the Cats in the semi-final, Clare were in perfect position for a classic final – and Rogers credited the team's spirit.
“I can’t really single out one thing. I mean, if I could just say a few words that could sum up our year, resilience was probably the most important aspect.
“We had a great league performance last year but lost in the first round to Limerick – a game where we looked really good for 50 minutes. We couldn't win the Munster final where we didn't play well at all.
“I know it's common knowledge that Brian gave us a week off, but it was almost impossible to appreciate the frustration that was in the dressing room that day. But yes, that resilience is there – and we recognise that – and fortunately that's something we can build on.”
Clare's success was led by manager Brian Lohan, a county legend whose belief in the team Rodgers says had a transformative effect.
“He really owns the dressing room. I mean, he's a legend in the history of hurling in Clare. He has the backing of every fan; everyone in Clare is behind him.
“This atmosphere somehow carries over into the locker room. You can feel it when he speaks – everyone is attentive to his every word.
“He's a very nice person, it's nice to talk to him one-on-one. He also works well in a group. He feels comfortable in all situations. He gives us a lot of confidence, and I think that's probably the most important thing.”
After a difficult league campaign that saw Clare relegated, all eyes now turn to Sunday's clash with Cork, who produced an impressive performance en route to winning the Division 1 title.
Clare fans and players need no reminder of the difficult years that followed the county's All-Ireland title triumph in 2013, with the Banner frequently out of contention by the end of the season.
However, as last year showed, Clare is capable of success even when underestimated at this stage of the campaign.
Lohan understands what it takes to succeed, having won two All-Ireland titles as a player in the 1990s, and Rogers hopes that experience can be used again.
“I think Brian was a part of two of those locker rooms, 1995 and 1997. We're in a position right now where we want to be the best we can be. We know we can do more than what we've shown in the league, but we need to prove it.
“We have a very close-knit group, if that makes sense. The players and management are pretty much on the same page, and not much of it leaks out.
Sourse: breakingnews.ie
