Kieran Shannon: Paul Flanagan will remain a hidden presence and influence even in retirement

Because they know when he talks about attitude, he walked it too.

FAMILY MATTER: Paul Flanagan of Clare in action against Séamus Flanagan of Limerick. Pic: Ray McManus/Sportsfile

Normally at this time of year he’d be getting ready for a county final with the club or going in for another season with Clare.

Not this October. For only the second time since their breakthrough in 2016, Ballyea will go consecutive years without winning or featuring in the last game of the county championship, while 2025 will mark the first time since 2005 that Paul Flanagan either won’t be in a Clare dressing room as a player or no intention of returning as one.