Conlon gunning for revenge

Clare's John Conlon

Clare captain John Conlon sees tonight's Bord Gais Energy Munster U21HC final against Tipperary as an opportunity for the Banner County to avenge their controversial loss in the final two years ago.

Clare bounced back to win their first Munster and All-Ireland titles last year, but they haven't forgotten the devastation caused by that 2-12 to 1-16 loss to the Premier County when referee Jason O'Mahony required a garda escort off the Cusack Park pitch after awarding a controversial injury-time free to Pa Bourke, who duly slotted over the winning score.

"It was one of the lowest things in Clare's history and one of the lowest moments of my career", recalls Conlon, who played in that final.

"On Wednesday night, we will be wanting to make up for it and where better than Thurles to do that. It was never really talked about last year, we just went in expecting to do well. It was nice that it was Waterford we were playing as they wouldn't be seen as a big traditional power. When Clare teams go out there are three teams you fear in Kilkenny, Tipperary and Cork, and nearly seeing their flipping jerseys makes you afraid of them."

Conlon revealed that last year's All-Ireland success has given the Banner players a new-found confidence and belief.

"We have 10 of the All-Ireland team that finished, subs included and there's a good buzz there. Many Clare teams go down hoping to win - we're expecting to win, which is a great thing. That's the confidence instilled in the team from the management. It's always easy to win the first one but to win the second is the hardest."