All-Ireland comment: The joy and despair final as Clare complete the legend

A wild All-Ireland Sunday celebrated old heroes and minted some new ones. 

ELATION: Clare’s David Fitzgerald, Mark Rodgers, Rory Hayes and John Conlon celebrate after the game. Pic: INPHO/Ryan Byrne

It doesn’t stop. The endeavour, the theatre, the roar. Every cheer is preceded by another. Long after Clare’s final whistle celebrations, after Brian Lohan and Liam MacCarthy are both lifted high, Hill 16 suddenly goes even more ballistic.

Disciples see their daemon. John Conlon is charging. It is hard to imagine this cacophony that greets him will ever cease. Picture what it would take to make it better. Picture Tony Kelly, the captain and predominant match winner, striding towards him before they merge in an emotional embrace. The legend is complete. For them, this is perfect.