Daly hoping to continue winning streak at Cheltenham

CLARE boss Anthony Daly will have much more than hurling to occupy his mind in the coming days.

There’s the Cheltenham racing festival to look forward to, especially the JCB Triumph Hurdle on St Patrick’s Day when Mister Hight, of which Daly is a part owner, will attempt to justify race favouritism.

With his side defeating Waterford in the NHL, some wondered if the result was a lucky omen for Friday? The question brought a wry smile to Daly’s face. “I hope so. We’ll just have to wait and see’.

Daly was pleased his side had bounced back from the previous week’s loss to Wexford.

“We were very poor last time out against Wexford, and it was important that we turned in a much better performance this time. We did that and I’m delighted with the win. I liked the way we defended our lead to the end.”

Selector and former All-Ireland hero Ollie Baker said it is Clare’s aim to win every league game and to get to the latter stages of the competition “at the very least”.

“The team work and the intensity that were missing against Wexford were all there against Waterford, and that is one of the most pleasing features of what was overall a very good display. There is, however, still a lot of work to be done, but the talent is in the county”, he added.

Meanwhile, there was disappointment but definitely no despondency from the Waterford camp in the wake of a first league defeat.

“We were in control for much of the game, and our mistake for the goal made all the difference”, manager Justin McCarthy said.

“There will be no panic in the wake of this defeat’, the Waterford manager insisted. “We still have two more important league games to come, and it remains all to play for as far as qualifying for the knock out stage is concerned’.