Collins Snr on football mission

Colm Collins’ appointment as Clare football manager last October garnered but a few inches of space in the national papers.

Football has always run a distant second in the county and with hurling celebrations still in full flow, Collins’ ascension from Cratloe boss to county chief was never going to be treated as anything more than a ‘meanwhile’ story by the national newspapers.

Now cast yourself back to January 6 of last year and the flurry of flashing bulbs as Mick O’Dwyer emerged from the tunnel at Hennessy Park for Clare’s opening round fixture in the McGrath Cup. Senior reporters from all quarters flocked to Miltown-Malbay to witness the latest chapter in Micko’s incredible managerial run, rolled programme and Pat O’Donnell-sponsored jacket in toe.