*Clare coach Shane Hassett with Aidan McCarthy. Photograph: Gerard O’Neill CLARE’S survivors from the 2013 team stood tallest to help the county bridge an eleven year wait for All-Ireland success.
*Photograph: Eamon Ward THOUSANDS of Clare supporters flocked into the Fair Green on Monday evening to welcome home their hurling heroes, the recently crowned All-Ireland champions.
*Shane O’Donnell with Aron Shanagher. Photograph: Gerard O’Neill SEVEN Clare hurlers have been included on the RTÉ Sunday Game team of the year.
*Clare captain, Tony Kelly with manager Brian Lohan. Photograph: Gerard O’Neill “IN Clare hurling like a religion and Brian Lohan is like our God,” said Tony Kelly as he captained the county to All-Ireland glory.
*Clare’s Tony Kelly with the Liam MacCarthy. Photograph: Gerard O’Neill A CHARACTER filled display saw Clare’s senior hurlers crowned All-Ireland champions for the fifth time with an extra time win over Cork.
*John Joe Costelloe at his home in Kildysart. Photograph: John Mangan. KILDYSART’s John Joe Costelloe has been following Clare hurling teams since 1974 and is regarded as one of the most genuine GAA supporters in the county.
*Shane O’Donnell. Photograph: Gerard O’Neill THE WHEEL turns full circle for Shane O’Donnell this Sunday when eleven years after his indelible All-Ireland Final debut as a carefree teenager, he faces the same opponents at the same stage in an almost eerie decider rematch against the Rebels once more.
*Clare centre back John Conlon. Photograph: Gerard O’Neill STARTING TEAMS have been named by Clare and Cork for Sunday’s eagerly awaited All-Ireland SHC final.
*Clare’s Aidan McCarthy. Photograph: Gerard O’Neill FOUR-TIME ALL-Ireland winner, Paul Murphy is tipping Clare to come out on top in Sunday’s All-Ireland SHC final.
*Tony Kelly. Photograph: Gerard O’Neill FOR ALMOST twelve months up to late May of this year, the question on all hurling followers lips wasn’t could Clare win the Munster or All-Ireland title but rather will Tony Kelly make a full recovery from the injury which saw him miss Clare’s league campaign.
