How Clare played their cards right

There was no sports psychologist present, no wisdom imparted from management, instead the Clare hurling panel played a game of cards to settle the pre-match nerves on Saturday morning.

Wing-forward John Conlon revealed how the team train en route to Dublin resembled a rural pub, with squad members gathered in small circles playing 45.

“We were on the train on the way up and the train driver remarked to me that he had never seen so many lads as relaxed,” said Conlon.