Clare manager Colm Collins believes his team are now becoming a side to be reckoned with in Championship football after the Banner secured victory over Laois in the football qualifiers.
After claiming the Allianz Division 3 title earlier in the year, expectations rose in the county and they now find themselves in the draw for the third round of the qualifier series.
After hitting 0-17 in a gallant defeat to Kerry in the Munster semi-final, even the bookies could find little to separate the sides for the clash at Cusack Park.
The O’Moore County, fresh from their two-game saga with Armagh, looked to be edging towards victory but failed to raise a flag in the final quarter as the Banner surged to a one-point win with substitute Shane McGrath proving to be the match winner.
“It was a tight game with two evenly matched teams under slippy conditions, so it’s fantastic to come out on the right side of it,” Collins told RTÉ Sport. “I thought the lads showed great character.”
Podge Collins, who hit 0-03 for the hurlers in their qualifier win against Limerick yesterday, was introduced off the bench, while the manager singled out the match winner for special praise.
Dublin-born McGrath was part of Pat Gilroy’s 2010 squad, but after just one O'Byrne Cup appearance he later realised the opportunity to follow in his father’s footsteps and represent Clare, travelling up and down every week for training.
In his first year (2012) he reached a Munster final against Cork and has been a reliable presence in the forward division, but has struggled for form this season.
Collins acknowledged the role of his replacements in getting over the line, while also expressing his delight at the memorable weekend for son Podge.
“It was nice to see the contribution we got from the bench. The lads that came on really gave us plenty," he said.
“I’m delighted for Shane McGrath in particular. He’s had a tough year and to get the winning score, I’m just thrilled for him.”
In a game of fine margins, Collins acknowledged that there is plenty to work on before if they are to stand any chance of advancing past the next round.
“We had an awful lot of very bad turnovers. This has been happening in the past two or three games and it’s something we need to work on.
“As you progress, the teams you play against will really murder you if you hand them the ball like that in the middle third.”
The Championship campaign continues well into July and for a county on an upward trajectory, Collins is pleased to see early season promise carry over into the cut and thrust of Championship battle.
“It’s very important to put the thing in perspective. These are a tremendous bunch of players, well capable of achieving a lot more.
“While the League progress is great, it’s important to stake a claim and match the best in the Championship.”
