Clare and Waterford playing game of risk and reward over injuries

Before the 1995 National League final against Kilkenny, my back was in bits. I wanted to play. I convinced management I was fit to play. I thought we would win. I wanted to lift the cup. 

Yet less than an hour before the match, I was above on a physio table with Colum Flynn flexing and manipulating my frame like a contortionist. I wasn’t getting any respite. I knew I was in big trouble.

I was. Adrian Ronan cleaned me out. I wouldn’t take anything away from Ronnie.He was that good and clever that he could clean you any day he played for Kilkenny. He was the type of small, nippy player I always struggled with.