Fahy hails 'most complete performance' as Clare prevail
Clare defeated Galway in the Fulfil All-Ireland U20 Hurling Final at FBD Semple Stadium. Photo by Brendan Moran/Sportsfile
By Stephen Barry
Terence Fahy hailed his players’ “most complete performance” as Clare added Fulfil All-Ireland U20 silverware to their minor triumph three years ago.
In front of 9,103 fans at FBD Semple Stadium, the Banner maintained their perfect record in All-Ireland finals at this grade by capturing a fifth title with 10 points to spare over Galway.
Fahy’s side had come from behind with late charges for all five of their previous victories this season, but they led from the fourth minute onwards here. “It was the first time that the match was put to bed early, we're normally hanging on or we're normally behind with 10 minutes to go,” said Fahy.
“It was a very unusual feeling for us to be comfortably ahead in the last 10 minutes. It was the most complete performance and it's a great credit to the group.
“We have a special team and they brought a special performance on the biggest day. We are just so proud of them.”
There are plenty of reasons for that pride. One of them is the group’s persistence to back up minor success at the U20 grade. “It is a measure of them as players and hurlers that their hunger is intact,” said Fahy. “Their pride in preparation and their desire to represent and play in the jersey, it is a huge testament to that. That's the really satisfying piece.
“Yes, there is lots of talent there, but talent alone won't get you very far. There was a huge strength of mentality that you could see in this championship from this group, and we'd be very proud of that.”
Taking the wider view, this James Nowlan Cup success underlines the rude health of Clare hurling. “It's all about consistency,” said Fahy. “Our senior team for years now in the Munster round-robin has been very consistent. We have been very consistent in the Munster round-robin. The minor team in recent years has been very consistent in the Munster round-robin.
“You're not going to win every day and the competition is fierce and the margins are fine, but that's what you want to be: consistent. You want to be consistently chipping out performances. That only comes from structures and support.
“We have massive support from the County Board and people in the background in the shadows. There's a huge goodwill towards Clare hurling and there's huge people working away on quiet fields. That's where that performance came from.”
In his fifth year as Clare U20 manager, victory tasted particularly sweet. “It means a lot,” said Fahy. “It gives a sense of purpose. It's a privilege. It's important when players put in so much that they get something out of it because that leads to buy-in and consistency. It means a lot.”
Fahy now hopes that Clare’s newest generation of All-Ireland U20 champions can follow the example of their predecessors. “It was Tony Kelly's team that won this title last. We saw what they contributed to Clare hurling, so the onus now will be on these lads.
“They have to work hard now and they have to try and go up the levels into the future.
“Tony's team won, John Conlon's team won, and those lads aren't going to stay going forever. This team has won now, so hopefully they can keep going.”
