O'Connell happy to restore pride in Clare shirt
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It was one of those games where the losers had more to get off their chest than their conquerors.
For Tipperary there was the business of "mission accomplished" as Liam Sheedy put it, a case of ignoring the journey and just welcoming the destination, a Munster final in Thurles where they haven't lifted silverware for 18 years now.
For Clare there was a different mission, one of salvation and redemption after a miserable league campaign that had their manager Mike McNamara threatening withdrawal form next year's competition after the drop to Division 2.
In that sense their captain Brian O'Connell reflected that some ground had been clawed back after a performance of some fortitude.
"In our own county we have been knocked, our heart has been questioned," said O'Connell.
"That's all we wanted out of today was to prove that we had heart and that we love playing for Clare and that it's a joy for us to wear our jersey. When that was questioned we had to come out with answers."
Pleased
The theme was picked up on by Mike Mac himself who was pleased to see the Clare public back in full voice.
"It is important that you have the public on your side and the public's support.
"We have an incredible public in Clare. We have been trounced for 100 years and still they show up. In the last quarter of a game you would imagine there was 25, 000 of them there. To have them back on board is certainly a plus and a bonus."
He welcomed the performances of the debutants, but insisted the trawl for more like them would have to continue and there would be pain along the way.
"If we are a team that is going to contest Munster championships and All-Ireland finals then we have to find the Colin Ryans and the James McInerneys of the world.
"We have to find these fellas and get the team right. That may take a bit of time ad there may be some pain along the way."
"Having said that we will present ourselves well in the qualifiers. I told you before we are not going to be playing Division 2, so we will have most of the year off!"
Liam Sheedy was pragmatic enough to know that his side had endured a harrowing time. "They were really on top in the last 20 minutes and I don't think anyone could have argued if it was a draw at the end.
"We're heading into July, we're building and at the same time we'd have to say to the lads that some of the quality of play we had out there was absolutely top notch and it's all about getting the consistency. The match against Cork stood to us early on."
"We were delighted to get that start and by God, by the finish, did we need that start."
- Colm Keys
