BANNER BATTLE CHAMPIONSHIP ON ADRENALIN
CLARE captain Pat O’connor is looking for an adrenalin buzz in Cork on Sunday to carry his side through the Munster Championship.
The new format, with Clare facing four games in five weeks, places certain demands on teams physically but O’connor believes that that can be offset by the thrill of victory.
He said: “The game against Cork on the first day, if you win by a point, you go again for 70 minutes the day after because your adrenaline is pumping.
“You would be surprised at where your mind can bring your body sometimes, especially on the back of a big Munster Championship victory.
“The games are going to throw up some incredible moments and incredible games. We are all lucky and looking forward to being a part of it.”
Clare joint manager Gerry O’connor outlined recently how they placed particular emphasis on their home games in the League with the new Championship structure in mind, but his captain maintains that Sunday’s game at Pairc Ui Chaoimh is huge.
“In the League we put massive pressure on ourselves with regards home games with an eye towards the Championship, but a lot will hinge on the Cork game.
“Cork are the only team we are referring to and have been referring to for a couple of weeks since we came back after the League.
“It poses a massive challenge.”
Following Sunday’s game, Clare welcome Waterford to Cusack Park seven days later for what will be the first major Munster Championship game to take place in Ennis since 1993.
O’connor added: “I can’t wait to see Ennis that day. It is probably irrelevant to the weather.
“There is a major thirst in Clare for a Munster Championship home game, being out on the field with a full Cusack Park behind you is a special place to be.”