Clare joint manager Donal Moloney.
By Cian O'Connell
Donal Moloney and Gerry O'Connor's vast knowledge of the game brought success and hope to Clare.
Silverware was accumulated as young hurlers were being produced.
Three Munster and All Ireland Under 21 titles between 2012 and 2014 following two provincial titles at minor level in 2010 and 2011.
Moloney and O'Connor occupied central roles in the shaping the glittering careers of an exciting crop of Clare hurlers. “Yes, absolutely," Moloney instantly responds when asked does this Clare team still possess X factor players.
"They have had it since their underage days, they showed it in 2013. People probably give out about their Championship record over the last few years, but history will show that Davy (Fitzgerald) won the National League and the All-Ireland.
"There aren’t too many other counties in those three or four seasons that have won as many titles. Kilkenny obviously. But that is a pretty decent record. We have game winners, who contributed to that.”
One aspect Moloney stresses is the significant role of Donal Og Cusack also. “I worked with Donal Og for some time, first meeting him back in 2004," Moloney says.
Clare selector Donal Og Cusack congratulates Seadna Morey after their Munster SHC Semi-Final win.
"He has brought a huge amount to Clare. It was great foresight on Davy’s behalf to bring him in last year because he brings focus on skill development that I think is really important, a critical part of the game.
"He really values that because of the teams he was part of were renowned for their skill and their touch. He sees that as the difference between a team going up a level.”
How critical was it for Cusack to remain involved having worked with the Clare senior panel in 2016? “We had heard that a lot of what Donal Og did last year was very well received in terms of the management and the players," Moloney admits.
"We would have known that. We would have seen an improvement in the Under 21 players in terms of their skill set, so from that perspective, having someone like that, from having the experience of working with him last year, that was really, really important.”
Will it be tricky for Cusack to face his native Cork with the stakes piled high on Munster Final day at Semple Stadium?
“He is the ultimate professional. He has a grá for this job now. He has a grá for the county, Donal Og is one of those guys who immerses himself, whether it was his work for the GPA, as a goalkeeper for Cork, or all the different projects he has been involved in, whether 11-a-side in America or whatever.
"He is a guy of great resources or capability. He has immersed himself in our set-up. He is great fun to work with as well. He has a great dry wit, great humour which is very helpful at times.”
