David Reidy, the Clare forward, believes that reducing the numbers on the hurling pitch could potentially create more room for action. During a league journey in Boston in 2015, he played a 13-a-side game where he had more space in his forward position, an experience he liked.
However, the proposition of playing with reduced numbers might not sit well with Clare’s manager, Brian Lohan. Given the wealth of talent available in his team, Lohan has utilised the skills of 34 different players this season alone, making their journey to the Division 1 final quite exciting. Notably, this is without counting Shane O’Donnell and Tony Kelly who haven’t yet appeared in 2024. Moreover, since their Round 2 triumph over Waterford, David McInerney has been missed.
Despite key absences and high instances of player rotation, Clare remains the only undefeated team in the top division. It’s an indication that this might be one of the most formidable line-ups Clare has gathered for a while.
Reidy noted that from the league’s beginning, they employed numerous players, including several promising young talents. He praised those who had successfully made their way into the team and performed admirably since the league’s commencement. He suggests that in their upcoming Saturday match, one or two other players may distinguish themselves sufficiently to cement their spots for the next game.
Looking ahead, the “next game” is a significant one: a Munster championship opener against Limerick in Ennis. While this looming occasion could potential divert focus from their imminent pursuit of this weekend’s trophy, Reidy remains unfazed.
He also dismissed the notion that, with Limerick having lost their league semi-final on a Saturday, it intensified Clare’s desire to secure victory over Tipperary the next day. Back-to-back matches against the Shannonsiders over three weekends is no longer a possibility given Limerick’s exit from the league.
Reidy voiced no concern for the opposing teams, Limerick and Kilkenny, in the upcoming semi-final. His focus, and that of his team, was solely on Tipp, who they were determined to give their all against. He further noted that at their position, Clare has no room to belittle any championship, or overlook any chance for accolades. Serving on the panel for ten years, his only prominent medal was won in the 2016 league.
“The ultimate aim is to play your best and aim to win,” Reidy explained. Pausing, he believed that if a match wasn’t won, it was crucial to retrospect and consider if everything was done to reach the top, both on an individual and team level. If the answer was affirmative, no regrets should linger and they should accept the result.
There is uncertainty whether O’Donnell, another forward, will participate in this weekend’s game. He has previously skipped leagues to ensure optimal fitness for the championship, a strategy that didn’t prove detrimental in prior seasons. In contrast, Kelly hasn’t played this year due to an ankle injury that necessitated surgery last December.
Reidy expressed optimism about Kelly. “He’s recuperating well. Hopefully, he’ll rejoin in a fortnight.”
In the meantime, Clare is keen to maintain their winning streak and navigate tightly contested matches successfully. Ignoring their eight-point semi-final victory over Tipperary, all their group matches were decided by a single score.
Reidy opined, “You can look at closely contested matches from two angles. The bright side is that you’re emerging victorious, but you also need to question why you don’t finish stronger to achieve a larger lead?” As their next step, Clare will focus on the positive aspects and learn from these games to improve their finish. They also recognise the dynamic learning process between fresh inclusions, the rest of the squad, and management.