Bugler: Davy 'completely turned things around' for Clare

There was one name on the Clare players' lips after yesterday's All-Ireland SHC semi-final win over Limerick, as they hailed the influence of their manager Davy Fitzgerald.

Fitzgerald's young team lowered the colours of the Munster champions on a 1-22 to 0-18 scoreline, benefiting from an early scrambled goal from man-of-the-match Darach Honan and a collective display packed full of desire, skill and a lung-bursting work ethic.

Tactically, the Banner men got it spot on with Limerick unable to negate the influence of Clare's captain and 'sweeper' Patrick Donnellan in a polished defensive display, while 11-point hero Colin Ryan was in terrific form all day from placed balls.

It all added up to arguably the team performance of this summer's Championship and one that Fitzgerald and his charges can be extremely proud of, especially when you consider the young age and inexperience of some of his All-Ireland finalists.

One of the more battle-hardened players, 28-year-old wing back Brendan Bugler, was quick to praise the direction and drive provided by Fitzgerald when giving his reaction afterwards.

"Clare hurling has been on a low for a few years but Davy has come in and what a man...he's completely turned things around," admitted Bugler.

"I suppose it's a cliché but we left it all out there on the field, we worked hard for this. To get to an All-Ireland final, it's great to be there but we still have one game to go."

Limerick made a sluggish start at Croke Park, their lack of recent competitive action perhaps having an impact, and Bugler was hugely satisfied with the defensive grit shown by Clare as they kept John Allen's team to just nine points from play over the 70 minutes.

"Limerick are Munster champions on merit and I knew we wouldn't get anything easy. They have big men in attack and we had to close them down and stop them scoring.

"They had a few wides at the start and that didn't help them. We said at half-time it was very important to get that first score in the second half.

"But we showed that little bit of resolve to keep tipping over. We knew we were good enough at the back that we wouldn't concede a goal and thank God we didn't."

Fitzgerald is on record as saying this Clare side are 'a joy to work with' and it is that infectious spirit and determination passed down from the Sixmilebridge man that has the county eyeing up All-Ireland glory against Cork on September 8.

It may be the Banner's first All-Ireland Senior final appearance since 2002, but they have won two All-Ireland U-21 titles since 2009 and are currently on course to retain it this year with a large chunk of the senior squad battling on both fronts.

That experience of underage semi-finals and finals stood to them yesterday according to midfielder Colm Galvin, who is keen to put one over on Cork after losing June's Munster SHC semi-final to them by eight points.

"We were disappointed to lose the Munster semi-final. Hopefully we can push Cork all the way this time," insisted the 20-year-old from Clonlara.

"A lot of friends of mine from Limerick and Tipperary gave me a lot of stick during the week, and luckily we came out the right side of the result. Davy (Fitzgerald) and the backroom team know their stuff and fair play to them.

"We were here before (at underage level) and knew what it was about, and thankfully it worked out for us."

Galvin also dished out the plaudits to the livewire Tony Kelly and leading marksman Ryan, who amassed 15 of Clare's points between them.

"Colin and Tony together were outstanding, and I don't think Colin missed a free all day. What he did was unbelievable," he added.