Clare ace McGrath says it’s a day to savour rather than fear

Some players find All-Ireland final day too much.

It should be their ultimate ambition realised, greeted by the roar of the 82,000 crowd but instead of flourishing, they freeze. Formerly fluid wrists become tight, legs turn to jelly, thoughts are confused and jumbled as dream turns to nightmares.

Then there’s Clare. Almost as young a side as ever hit the sacred sod, certainly as inexperienced, they came out against Cork in the All-Ireland SHC final three weeks ago, looked around, smiled, soaked it all in and enjoyed the parade behind the fabled Artane Band. Then came the throw-in and their moment of truth.