FORMER ALL-IRELAND winning manager Ger Loughnane has told the next generation of Clare hurlers that the recent spate of retirements from the Kilkenny panel gives them the perfect opportunity to establish themselves as hurling’s next dominant force.
JJ Delaney became the fifth member of Brian Cody’s panel to exit stage left on Friday, joining Tommy Walsh, David Herity, Brian Hogan and Aidan Fogarty in retirement.
And, with at least one more high-profile retirement rumoured to be on it’s way, Loughnane believes the time has come for the Banner to take their place as the team to beat.
Speaking at the presentation of of Clare’s Munster and All-Ireland U21 medals in Ennis on Saturday night, the 1995 and 1997 All-Ireland winning boss said:
As reported in today’s Irish Examiner, Loughnane went on to outline the danger of Clare following in the footsteps of Limerick and Galway which, despite dominant underage teams, were unable to mirror that success at senior level.
Quoting Robert Frost’s ‘The Road Not Taken’ Loughnane said:
“As you go along that road you will have plenty people clapping you on the back and saying well done, enjoy life and have a few drinks.
“That will lead you to a place called Easyville, and eventually a place called Oblivion, where no one will remember you. The other side of that is the uphill path trodden by the legends of hurling, some of who you have seen retire in the last few weeks.
“Will you take that road, or will you take the easy road? That to me is the vital question over the next year or two, and will decide where we take our place. You are the most talented players we have ever had, and you can now bring Clare hurling to a new level, but only you can decide that.”
