CIAN DILLON EXPECTS the Clare hurlers to play a more expansive style of hurling under their new management this season.
Donal Moloney and Gerry O’Connor, who’ve been highly successful underage managers in the past, have taken charge of the Banner for the coming year.
The duo guided Clare’s U21 hurlers to three consecutive All-Ireland titles from 2012-2014, and Dillon believes the county will move away from the more “structured” style of play they employed under previous boss Davy Fitzgerald.
“I think the new managers are emphasising different things, definitely,” Dillon said.
“They do focus on certain aspects. They’re big on making sure our skill level is as high as it can be and transferring that to game situations. That’s one change I can spot.
“We’re looking to hurl off the cuff really, express ourselves, play with that freedom and do what’s natural.
“The likes of Podge (Collins) and Tony Kelly can score from anywhere on their day so it’s giving them the license to do that and the freedom to express themselves.
“One change I can see is that they’re giving players license to see things themselves and go for little channels and holes if they appear. Lads seem to be responding to that well so far so it’s a good sign going forward.”
Dillon likes what he’s seen so far from the joint-managers, who have clearly made a big impression on the 28-year-old defender.
“Their working relationship is incredible. They’re highly influential businessmen as well so how they get the time to do it and their level of efficiency is something you’d have to admire.
“Their level of detail and planning is incredible and that feeds into the players straight away.
“But mainly it’s their appetite for success. They’ve had a lot of years at under 21 level and they’ve achieved a huge amount, something that hasn’t been done in Clare in the past.
“They’ve got serious hunger to bring that forward onto senior level.
“There’s that bit of freshness to it already but there’s also that bit of continuity as well. In terms of them knowing everyone and Donal Óg staying on as well.”
The Crusheen native doesn’t expect Tony Kelly to feature for Clare in the league over the next few weeks, as he’ll be focusing fully on Ballyea’s All-Ireland club final on St Patrick’s Day.
Kelly’s club-mate Gary Brennan lined out for the Banner footballers in their league opener against Derry, and has indicated he’ll juggle club and county commitments over the coming weeks
Dillon explained: “For Gary, there’s a sense that football is always his number one and always has been.
“Just the fact that Ballyea have gone on such a great run, he has to be available for them.
“I think if it was up to him, he’d play every football game between now and Paddy’s Day. That’s just the type of player he is.
“But I think the other boys are all hurling first and foremost so I’d imagine they’ll be left alone with Ballyea.
“We wish them the best of luck definitely.”
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