Taking over from a legend!

HOW do you replace a legend? Ten years ago, 1995, Clare overcame Cork in the dying minutes of a fantastic Munster semi-final encounter.

They went on to win their first Munster title in 63 years, their first All-Ireland since 1914 and repeated that double two years later.

Central to the breakthrough was midfielder Ollie Baker, a true colossus. “He was vital to the success of Clare, because of his physical presence, his power, the way he guarded the whole half-back line, and above all, he was uninhibited on the big day,” stated manager Ger Loughnane, in his book Raising the Banner; “I’ve often said we’d never have won anything without Baker. He could devour ground, devour opponents, and was inspirational and indispensable. He could lift the crowd, was a big-day player.”