Banner have eyes on League glory, says Rodgers
CLARE star Mark Rodgers believes National League silverware would frank the progress being made by the Banner in recent seasons. Brian Lohan’s charges started the season with an impressive 1-25 to 2-19 win over a fancied Cork side at Cusack Park on Sunday, and they are determined to draw a line under their reputation as hurling’s ‘nearly’ team. For the past two seasons they have gone undefeated against Limerick in the group stages of the Munster SHC before losing to the All-Ireland champions in epic one-score contests in the final. But they have no silverware to validate their status as Limerick’s closest challengers, however they aim to correct that over the next two months. ‘Obviously if we can keep the momentum and keep winning, there is silverware at the end of this,’ said Rodgers. ‘When you get to a
League semi-final or a final, teams will want to be winning them. ‘We have to get better. We know we have to get better,’ insisted Rogers post match. ‘We had two more debutants, Gearóid Sheedy and Seán Rynne, who were both excellent. They gave a great account of themselves. ‘It’s important that we freshen up the panel. Our bench is very strong so it’s important to give those lads an opportunity. And when you get the chance, you have to take it,’ he added. While it is early days, Clare’s opening round win was all the more impressive considering they were without celebrated talents, Tony Kelly — who will miss the spring campaign as he rehabs from ankle surgery — and current All-Star Shane O’Donnell. ‘We have a good group of players here. Shane and Tony are obviously two of the best in the country and it’ll be great to get them back on the pitch. ‘Until then, a lot of us probably have to step up and fill the void. These League games are a great opportunity to do just that.’ The Scarriff star has been handed a new role this season, replacing Aidan McCarthy as Clare’s freetaker, scoring 0-13 against Cork with 11 points from placed balls. ‘Aidan is a brilliant freetaker, as is Peter (Duggan) so I don’t think we’re short in that department. ‘When you get the opportunity to hit those frees, you have to score them because the lads I named are just as good.’