Clare pride in new heroes

Six months ago Clare's hurlers burned up Thurles and Cork on the longest day of the year. Yesterday, in Limerick, a day before the winter solstice, it was the footballing wing of the county who celebrated.

The supporters of Doonbeg gathered in front of the Mackey Stand to acclaim the latest triumph over adversity. Reduced to 14 men for three-quarters of the match, the Clare champions dug in and brought home the county's first provincial club football title.

Manager Pat Hanrahan was a player when Doonbeg lost Munster finals in the 1980s and manager when they were beaten in their last appearance at this stage seven years ago. For him it was especially sweet.

"It's the greatest day in the club's history. We've toiled long and hard and if any club deserves a provincial championship we did. It's our fourth final and we suffered two very heavy defeats and a third one against (Dr) Crokes in '91. You can see what it means to the people of Doonbeg and Clare.

"We regrouped and tried to get players behind the ball and it just worked out. The extra man didn't really affect us. It's our third - no, fourth - time down to 14 and that was a help as well because we knew we could do well up against it. I don't think anyone could describe us a dirty of indisciplined team but these things happen."

Munster chairman Sean Kelly praised the winners before handing the cup to captain Padraig Gallagher, who then yielded the microphone to suspended Doonbeg player Kieran O'Mahony ("It's a long story," according to Hanrahan).

Kelly had also praised Moyle Rovers for staying on the field during the presentation. In truth, it was as much as you could say about them yesterday.

"It's very disappointing," said Tipperary and Ireland International Rules footballer Derry Foley. "We probably played better football last week, but it's very difficult to match the Clare hunger and tenacity in all codes at the moment. They have a psychological edge on every team in Munster; they just don't know when they're beaten."

Ballina Stephenites are next in line for Doonbeg in February's All-Ireland semi-final.