KILKENNY LEGEND EDDIE Keher admits he was surprised by Donal Óg Cusack’s addition to the Clare management team and has described as ‘an unlikely partnership’, the coaching union between the Cork All-Ireland winner and Banner boss Davy Fitzgerald.
Clare take on Keher’s native Kilkenny in next Sunday’s Allianz hurling league semi-final after a campaign to date where they have clinched promotion from Division 1B and defeated Tipperary at the quarter-final stage.
“It seemed to me an unlikely partnership,” remarked Keher.
“He (Donal Óg) is obviously contributing something to it. It is surprising, he is keeping a low profile there as well.
“But it remains to be seen how the partnership will keep things going.”
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Keher did not expect the dip in Clare’s fortunes that has occurred since their All-Ireland win in 2013.
“I was surprised because I saw them coming up through the grades with their great U21 teams, they had everything going for them. It is strange that the dip came.
“They are young enough to recover from that and this year we might see a different Clare team and they will be well in contention.”
Barney Rock and Eddie Keher at yesterday's KN Group All-Ireland GAA Golf Challenge Launch. David Maher / SPORTSFILE
David Maher / SPORTSFILE / SPORTSFILE
Six-time All-Ireland winner Keher feels Sunday’s showdown in Semple Stadium is a major match for Clare.
“They are sort of playing it down that it is not that important and that they are focusing on the Munster championship but I think it is a big game for them.
“It is a big game for Kilkenny too but I think they will be anxious to test themselves out against Kilkenny in preparations for the championship.
“They will be anxious to win it there will be no question about that. They are not going to ease off now coming towards the end of the league.
“A league final would do this Clare team a great service.”
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'It seemed to me an unlikely partnership' - Kilkenny legend on Donal Óg joining Davy Fitz in Clare
KILKENNY LEGEND EDDIE Keher admits he was surprised by Donal Óg Cusack’s addition to the Clare management team and has described as ‘an unlikely partnership’, the coaching union between the Cork All-Ireland winner and Banner boss Davy Fitzgerald.
Clare take on Keher’s native Kilkenny in next Sunday’s Allianz hurling league semi-final after a campaign to date where they have clinched promotion from Division 1B and defeated Tipperary at the quarter-final stage.
“It seemed to me an unlikely partnership,” remarked Keher.
“He (Donal Óg) is obviously contributing something to it. It is surprising, he is keeping a low profile there as well.
“But it remains to be seen how the partnership will keep things going.”
Keher did not expect the dip in Clare’s fortunes that has occurred since their All-Ireland win in 2013.
“I was surprised because I saw them coming up through the grades with their great U21 teams, they had everything going for them. It is strange that the dip came.
“They are young enough to recover from that and this year we might see a different Clare team and they will be well in contention.”
Six-time All-Ireland winner Keher feels Sunday’s showdown in Semple Stadium is a major match for Clare.
“They are sort of playing it down that it is not that important and that they are focusing on the Munster championship but I think it is a big game for them.
“It is a big game for Kilkenny too but I think they will be anxious to test themselves out against Kilkenny in preparations for the championship.
“They will be anxious to win it there will be no question about that. They are not going to ease off now coming towards the end of the league.
“A league final would do this Clare team a great service.”
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Kilkenny fire six goals en route to 24-point hammering over Offaly in league quarter final
Super sub Shanagher’s goal hands Clare win over Tipperary and place in league semi-finals
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BANNER BOYS Davy Fitzgerald Donal Óg Cusack Clare Kilkenny