Clare senior hurling manager Brian Lohan. Photo by Sam Barnes/Sportsfile
By Cian O'Connell
Brian Lohan's passion and perseverance was rewarded at Croke Park.
Clare, inspired by captain Tony Kelly, found a way to win an absorbing All-Ireland SHC Final against Cork.
Lohan acknowledged the depth of the Clare panel following a compelling contest at GAA headquarters. “We had great faith in the group, great faith in the panel of players that we picked," Lohan reflected.
"We didn’t expect it to go to extra-time, but, when it did, there was good belief in the group. We changed around at the end of normal time and I thought we approached it well, and delighted for the guys that came on and got up to the pitch of the game in the manner that they did. So, happy with the full panel.”
Early on Clare encountered significant bother as Cork accumulated a seven point advantage, but Aidan McCarthy netted a goal following a splendid Shane O'Donnell assist.
When asked what got Clare over the line, Lohan acknowledged how vital McCarthy's goal was. “I think how we responded after the first couple of minutes," Lohan replied.
"Aido getting that goal brought us right back into it, and then we were able to relax a bit and I think we hurled well from there on. So, I suppose that and, look, Tony just caught fire in the second half and on into extra-time.
"Yeah, when you’ve got the likes of Tony and Shane and John and Diarmuid and Conor Cleary, those guys on the field, you always have a chance. So just delighted with them and delighted with the full squad really.”
The resilience Clare demonstrated delighted Lohan. “I suppose we just started poorly," Lohan remarked. "We were conscious that Cork all year have raced out of the blocks, and we thought we were going to be able to handle, it but then they really started well.
“But we hung in there, we toughed it out. We got back into it before half-time, and we were delighted to come level at half-time.”
Lohan was pleased that Clare's 2013 survivors won a second All-Ireland too. "I'm delighted for the lads to get a reward, the ultimate reward in hurling, and delighted for Tony that he was able to go up the steps of the Hogan Stand and collect that trophy on behalf of the county," Lohan commented.
"It's just brilliant for all the panel of players, and it is particularly brilliant for all those guys that have got their second All-Ireland now."
