Honan pleads for Banner patience

IT was freakish, it was stunning and it was painful. Three years ago, Darach Honan stood in Cusack Park and readied himself for the coronation of Clare as Munster U21 hurling champions for the first time.

Teammate Conor Tierney was nearby, preparing to strike a 20 yard injury-time free that could propel the county into a one-point lead against Tipperary. But then the game swerved off on a dramatic course. Referee Jason O’Mahony spoke to an umpire at the opposite end of the field who informed him that Clare goalkeeper Donal Tuohy had stepped outside of his square for a puckout. Play was called back and Tipperary were awarded a 65, which Pa Bourke converted to claim victory.

At the final whistle chaos ensued yet it is not the hordes of Clare supporters venting their fury at the match officials or the chorus of disapproval that drowned out the post-match trophy presentation which Honan remembers.