O'Donnell primed for another great occasion in Ennis
PwC GAA/GPA Player of the Month for April in hurling, Shane O’Donnell of Clare, with his award at PwC offices in Dublin. Photo by Sam Barnes/Sportsfile
By Cian O’Connell
Shane O’Donnell is fully aware that there is always another challenge to embrace in the Munster SHC round robin series.
Defeat to Limerick was followed by victory over Cork, so things can change quickly. The Leeside success was critical for Clare. “We absolutely had to win that game, essentially we knew that after the disappointment of the Limerick game, especially the way that game went,” O’Donnell reflects.
“I think we probably didn't come down at all from that game, we just kept motoring straight into the Cork game, with all eyes on that. Fortunately, after a serious battle with them, we came out on the right side of it. We've had a couple of weeks to decompress and get back up for the weekend. The break came at a good time.”
Waterford are next on the agenda for Clare at Cusack Park on a vital Sunday afternoon of action down south with Tipperary also hosting Cork.
Dealing with setbacks appropriately is key according to O’Donnell. “It was certainly challenging, but I think we didn't tune into the disappointment if we had a bit more time to deal with it,” he replies.
“Knowing you've another game in seven days really does focus the mind. It meant we didn't have the luxury of feeling sorry for ourselves.
“Obviously, we were pretty angry after the game, but 24 hours later we did our analysis, we tried for the most part, as much as possible, put it behind us.
“I think we were pretty successful in that and it then gave us six days for the Cork game, like we would for any other game, essentially.”
Shane O'Donnell celebrating following Clare's dramatic Munster SHC win over Cork last month. Photo by Ray McManus/Sportsfile
Ultimately, it means the upcoming encounter with Waterford matters deeply in O’Donnell’s home town, Ennis. “Yeah, they are incredible occasions to be a part of,” O’Donnell says. “You get the opportunity to play in Páirc Uí Chaoimh, Thurles, and Croke Park, they are fantastic stadia to play at.
“Sometimes playing at Cusack Park, where you have wanted to play your entire life, essentially, when it is jammed to the rafter with Clare fans, it is an equally exceptional opportunity.
“It is something we are certainly looking forward to at the weekend. The Clare support, for the last couple of years, there has been that connection with our panel, management, and supporters.
“I think it is never felt more acutely than when we get the opportunity to play in Cusack Park. So, we are really looking forward to that.”
O’Donnell acknowledges the value from a sporting and economic perspective. “Absolutely, and it is brilliant to bring these crowds to Ennis, to bring people into the middle of town,” he adds.
“I read somewhere after the Limerick game, the traffic through the town, the pubs and cafes were likening it to the week before Christmas.
So, that is the kind of traffic and the volume of people that are getting to experience everything Ennis has to offer. Obviously, then the occasion inside in Cusack Park, too.
“There is a brilliant day every time we get these games, and since the round robin was introduced, these home and away games, almost everyone has been better for them.”
