Lohan queries Waterford penalty but accepts Clare second best

The Clare manager wasn't sure why Adam Hogan was penalised for the challenge on Mikey Kiely

Clare manager Brian Lohan before the Munster GAA Hurling Senior Championship Round 2 match between Waterford and Clare at Walsh Park in Waterford. Photo by Piaras Ó Mídheach/Sportsfile

Brian Lohan questioned Chris Mooney’s decision to award Waterford a “massive” second-half penalty.

Agreeing the goal converted by Stephen Bennett was a turning point, the Clare manager queried why Adam Hogan was penalised for the challenge on Mikey Kiely while acknowledging Waterford were the better side.

Asked about how well his inside backs played, Lohan said: “Yeah, our full-back line did fine, they did well. Ah sure, look obviously there was a big question mark about his interpretation for the penalty. I just spoke to Adam inside there and sometimes those decisions go for you and more times they don't.” 

Lohan was aware captain Tony Kelly would not be available from a few days out and had the chance to plan. He was adamant his absence wasn’t the deciding of the game for the All-Ireland champions.

“Obviously, Tony being gone was a loss but I wouldn't use it as an excuse, Waterford played well and it was a good performance from them. They deserved their win.” 

About Kelly who was suffering from an illness, he continued: “Yeah, he's been under pressure all week. We were always hoping that he might be back but it just wasn't a runner.” 

Kelly’s late withdrawal added to the injury woes of Clare who were already without Conor Cleary, Diarmuid Ryan and Shane O’Donnell from last year’s All-Ireland winning starting team.

Again, Lohan didn’t want to mitigate. “That’s what you have to deal with. I wouldn't be making any excuses. We were beaten and we have to hold our hand up and take our beating.” 

Lohan complimented how effective Waterford were in taking their scores. They posted eight wides to Clare’s 13. “Waterford were very clinical, they did very well. If you were a Waterford supporter, you'd be delighted with how their team played so fair play to them.” 

Going into the break only three points down, Lohan was encouraged. 

"Yeah, it was a significant breeze and we thought we were in a reasonable position at half-time. Having said that, our touch wasn't as good as it could have been, we spilled a couple of balls, which is never a good sign, and in the second half it just didn't go well for us.” 

The aspiration is for is Kelly and others to be back for what could be a do-or-die clash with Tipperary in Ennis next month. “Yeah, we'll be hoping to get a few guys back. We'll just take our beating and move on.”