Brendan Bugler hopes to lift the clouds

Getting here is no small thing, Brendan Bugler maintains. After the two previous seasons when Clare failed to make the last six, reaching an All-Ireland quarter-final this time around is an achievement in itself.

Not because they believe they are in bonus territory. Far from it. Psychologically, though, they had to pat themselves on the back for reaching this stage.

Wexford in 2013 and Cork last year constituted two of the worst hangovers possible following their 2013 All-Ireland success. Facing Limerick wasn’t a difficult assignment just because it was Limerick: knowing what awaited them had they lost was just as intimidating.