NEW BOYS CLARE LEADERS

JOHN CONLON is an example of the new leadership in Clare that could drive them to a first Munster SHC title in 20 years. That’s the view of joint Clare manager Donal Moloney, who yesterday learned that his ban will be upheld for Sunday’s final clash with the Clare county board likely to go to the Central Appeals Committee to appeal.

Moloney (right) points to the fact that the Banner’s last All-ireland winning team – from 2013 – has been ravaged in terms of retirements, injury and travelling.

Conor Ryan, Colin Ryan, Paddy Donnellan, Brendan Bugler and Darach Honan, Domhnall O’donovan have all retired, Aaron Cunningham is travelling and Aaron Shanagher is out with a cruciate.

“We’re fortunate at this point in time in Clare that we have probably the strongest group of senior hurlers we’ve had in a long time,” said Moloney. “I think we had plenty of time to take stock and adjust.

“Needless to say you would take miss the influence of

Brendan Bugler or

Paddy Donnellan – they’re the leaders of

2013, but there’s also a recognition that the 2013 team is no longer.

“Once all of those were gone we had to make clear decisions that there was a new leadership structure required. We put a major focus on that and new leaders have emerged. Some of the guys we would hope would be back in time, guys like Aaron Shanagher, Aaron Cuningham, Oisin O’brien. All of those have a huge amount to offer all the time.”

But Moloney said that the likes of the excellent Conlon (far left) has stepped into the void to lead the group. “He’s been tremendous for us,” Moloney remarked. “John is 28, 29 so he’s been really instrumental in driving things for us so we have greatly encouraged them to lead and to set the tone and the agenda. “They’re all very capable guys so we’re really trying to tap into that. John’s voice has been clear all year. “He’s a guy that a lot of people look up to because it’s not just words, it’s action.”