oneills.com, leading online sportswear retailer, with the GAA are delighted to announce the fourth year of their U20 GAA All-Ireland Hurling Championship sponsorship deal at Croke Park. Pictured is Clare senior hurler Adam Hogan. Photo by Tyler Miller/Sportsfile
By Cian O'Connell
Adam Hogan is hopeful Clare can respond following a disappointing Allianz Hurling League Division 1A campaign.
The All-Ireland champions conclude their league schedule on Saturday evening against Tipperary at FBD Semple Stadium, but focus is quickly shifting to next month's Munster SHC opener.
That April 20 Cusack Park date with Cork is etched in Clare minds, especially following a heavy league loss at the same venue. "Cork were the way better team, but I suppose it's good to get it now, the realisation that if we don't play to our ability, what will come on 20th April, so yeah I suppose building now to 20th April and hopefully we'll rectify what happened against Cork last weekend," Hogan says.
Delivering on home turf is crucial according to Hogan. "Yeah it is, definitely," Hogan says. "I suppose when we're going well Cusack Park is some spot to be when you're a Clare player.
"But I suppose the last three league games we lost in Cusack Park, so we kind of want to rectify that now to be honest in the league and we want to make it a fortress come championship, so hopefully come Easter Sunday now we'll show the Clare supporters and get them something to cheer for.
"But yeah, it's definitely a good spot to be. I remember in 2023 beating Cork with Diarmuid Ryan’s last minute point, when 'Freed from Desire' came on it was one of the best memories I have in a Clare jersey. So yeah hopefully come championship it'll be like that."
Patrick Horgan, Cork, and Adam Hogan, Clare, in Allianz Hurling League action. Photo by Piaras Ó Mídheach/Sportsfile
A busy four weeks awaits for Brian Lohan's outfit. "Definitely, I suppose all eyes on Easter Sunday, and yeah getting a good block of work done now I suppose," Hogan responds.
"The week before the game we don't really do much of a block of work. So, it's three weeks now of just putting our head down and focus on Easter Sunday I suppose, because we know the test is going to come.
"So, we have to get ready for that and hopefully we will and still as you say happy that we have four weeks to get that good block of work in."
Shane O'Donnell's unavailability due to injury is a significant setback. "It's obviously a big blow I suppose, the hurler of the year - it's obviously going to be a big blow to the team, but I'm confident we have the calibre of players like Tony and Peter Duggan and Mark Rogers," Hogan says.
"I know Shane, it’s hard to replace him, but I think we have the calibre of players in our depth and hopefully I suppose during the league the lads will be putting their hands up as well.
"I know the results haven't gone our way, but I suppose the lads will be putting their hands up to replace Shane. I know Shane, it's going to be hard to replace him, but I think we have the calibre of players and we have the leaders as well like Tony and stuff to replace Shane."
