Last-gasp O’Donovan makes it a Clare day at Croker

WHEN the action drew to a close in Croke Park yesterday, the Big House reeked of sights and sounds from another era.

Clare hurling’s epochal days in the mid-nineties have looked more distant than ever these the past few years, yet yesterday they had another September Sunday to savour.

An engrossing Bord Gáis Energy All-Ireland U21HC final swung the Banner’s direction by a slender one-point margin and the final whistle sparked riotous scenes. GAA regulations have tightened up since Clare hurling fans last staged pitch invasions, yet the initial resistance of stewards was worn down and Croke Park was invaded by a saffron and blue sea. Within minutes the architects of the triumph were bobbing up and down on the waves of supporters, and while the attendance of 25,924 may not have been comparable to the previous Sunday’s All-Ireland, the post-match joy was just as exuberant and heartfelt.