Clare senior hurling manager Brian Lohan. Photo by John Sheridan/Sportsfile
By Cian O'Connell
"It’s massive," Clare manager Brian Lohan responded when asked about the importance of the 2024 Allianz Hurling League success for Clare.
"Massive to us. You know, the group works really hard and you do want to get some reward for your effort.
"So, it was just massive for us, particularly with our results against Kilkenny over the last couple of years."
Two All-Ireland SHC Semi-Final losses at Croke Park against Kilkenny bothered Clare and Lohan. "We’ve had to deal with a lot of disappointment from Kilkenny so we were very focused," he added.
"But the players have been working really hard and sometimes you get rewards for your work and sometimes you don’t. We got that bit of reward today."
Even when Kilkenny posed stern questions in the closing stages, Clare found a way to survive, securing national silverware. "I suppose they are an experienced bunch now," Lohan reflected.
"And I supposed we’ve had to put up with disappointments. You learn from disappointments.
"You’d have to say about our group that they’re a resilient bunch. They do stay working hard and sometimes you get the rewards for your work and sometimes you don’t. But tonight, if a league is a reward, they got the reward."
Momentum has been generated by Clare which encourages Lohan ahead of a fascinating Munster SHC. "You can’t beat winning," Lohan remarks.
"It’s an old saying but it’s a true saying. It’s great for the group, it’s great for the county, it’s great for hurling within the county. We’ve put down a really good week.
"Our minors did very well on Thursday night, our U20s did brilliant last night, and the pressure was there for the seniors to do something tonight.
"Thankfully our seniors did do something so we’re delighted with our group and delighted with the work they put in."