Flaherty stars in Banner blitz

BACK in 1993, he burst on the national scene as a third-minute injury replacement in a Munster championship victory over Limerick at Cusack Park before going on to play a major role in the Banner’s breakthrough in the All-Ireland series.

Yesterday, at the same venue, new team boss Ger O’Loughlin, better known as ‘Sparrow,’ watched from the sideline as Clare blitzed an eager but weak Down side in the first round of the Allianz League.

Afterwards, he articulated his hopes for re-building the team, following the trauma of the player revolt which unseated Mike McNamara – but with the boost of a first title in the U21 grade inspiring hope for a brighter future.