Change needed, but Clare spot-on
I’m sure that in Wexford, especially, but also in Kilkenny, they’ll be asking that question today — how did this Antrim team beat the Leinster champions? Because even from the first minutes, when there was little between themselves and Clare on the scoreboard, it was obvious who was going to win this All-Ireland final — the only question really was by how much.
Lopsided as was the game, however, we learned a few things about Clare. First, their attitude is spot-on. They were properly tuned in, paid Antrim the same respect they would have paid either Wexford or Kilkenny.
Something else we learned, it’s not just the senior team that has a system; the U21s also have that system and even when all the senior players had been replaced, early in the second half, they continued to play the same game.
All four senior starters played well, but the two midfielders, Colm Galvin and Tony Kelly, were especially outstanding. And both of those guys are underage again next year.
Three All-Ireland U21 titles in five years, when they had failed to win even a Munster championship before that, never mind the senior replay still to come — that’s brilliant for Clare.
You have to single out the two guys in charge of this team, Donal Moloney and Gerry O’Connor, and lately also the coach Paul Kinnerk.
Those guys have been involved with this group for three or four years now, almost won an All-Ireland minor with them, have now won that third U21, including back-to-back titles this year and last. What I would hope now is that this will be the beginning for Clare, not an end.
What of Antrim? What they need to do now is push for an open draw, with two groups. Games is what they need, against good opposition. If they can’t get an open draw, then they should push to be allowed into Leinster.
The same applies to Galway and that would make this a better U21 championship all round.
Also, play it off sooner, have it over before the senior final.
On the B final, typical Kerry — not the first game they’ve stolen, thanks to Podge Boyle’s late goal. A great year for them, the minor B won last week, beaten late in the Christy Ring final.
