Kelly says Banner aiming to be a success on Qualifier road

FOR the Clare footballers, the All-Ireland qualifiers series has proven a graveyard for their ambitions rather than a source of hope.

Since the system’s introduction in 2001, the Banner never progressed past the second round and suffered the ignominy of not being allowed compete in 2007 and 2008, as GAA rulings dictated they were bound for the wilderness of the Tommy Murphy Cup.

In the aftermath of last month’s Munster SFC quarter-final exit against Waterford, boss Michéal McDermott spoke of the need for greater focus on the qualifiers in contrast to previous years.