Clare's John Conlon looking forward to regular high-stakes games in Division 1A

Division 1B was hardly a stroll for Clare this season but John Conlon is looking forward to more high stakes games in the top flight next season.

The week leading up to Sunday’s win over Limerick was the first time Conlon felt “a lot of pressure” before a game this year, as Davy Fitzgerald’s side succeeded in maintaining their 100% record to return to Division 1A one season after relegation.

“In Division 1B, there isn’t as much pressure on you,” the Clonlara man admitted. “It’s nice to get a bit of momentum going earlier on in the year, especially when the conditions are tough. Now you see the weather is improving and the ground is really hardening up. Last week in training, the buzz was electric as we knew the big games were coming again.

“The weather was there and there was a great atmosphere in training. The new setup that Davy has brought in is second to none. Davy’s the nucleus behind it all. Everything seems to be going well so far and long may it continue.”

Conlon has credited selector and coach Dónal Óg Cusack with bringing a bit of swagger to the group.

“They’re been all super. We’ve Jimmy Payne as well, whose credentials are second to none. Dónal Óg has brought that bit of character and sure, if you want to put it, Cork cockiness in a way. It’s really stood to us.

"Aonghus O’Brien has been a massive addition as well. We had Paul (Kinnerk) around as well He’s just a positive influence on everyone and everyone really enjoys him.”

Conlon is glad Clare have put behind them the narrow defeats, which had characterised their previous league campaign. “The last few years we’ve been going well in the league and last year we were only losing by a point or two in games. We just want to get over that line, we want to be a lot more ruthless.

“It (winning) is a habit. You can say what you like, if you’re losing by a point or two, there’s still that negative thought coming into training on a Tuesday night.

“This year you’re going in, you’re happy and you’re trying to work on the things you did wrong, where maybe you’re trying to force it the other way to get a win.”