In the name of the fathers

WITH the rise of the Clare team in the mid 90’s, when the county won its first All-Ireland hurling title in over 80 years, came the rise of the clubs.
In the name of the fathers

Even as Clare won the All-Ireland senior hurling championship in 1995, the Clare clubs took a grip on the Munster championship and didn't let go, not for the next six years.

Most spectacular during that period of dominance, especially in Munster, was the emergence of St Joseph's Doora Barefield and, common to both club and county, central to both club and county, were three towering figures. These were centre back Seanie McMahon, generally accepted nowadays as one of the all-time greats in that position; midfielder Ollie Baker, who patrolled north and south, east and west with an indomitable will, imposed himself on every big occasion, every opponent; and 'Jamesie', Jamesie O'Connor, the full title, but the flying, razor sharp, laser accurate wing forward who is one of those privileged few for whom one name is sufficient for instant identification. Three guys who, as they rose through the ranks with club and county, brought success after success, peak after peak.

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