TIPPERARY’S HURT OVER their 2013 season and their jealousy of Clare’s achievements will fuel their motivation before next Sunday’s league semi-final in Limerick.
That’s the belief of Clare hurler Brendan Bugler as he and his Banner teammates brace themselves for a fierce challenge.
“I know from talking to a couple of Tipp boys that they were hurting big-time from last year,.They would have seen what we would have done and I know for a fact that a lot of those boys would have been very jealous over what Clare had done.
“They’re going to be coming out all guns blazing this year. They weren’t happy with the start they made but Tipp being Tipp they dug deep, dug it out against Dublin and recorded a great victory against Cork. They’d a little blip earlier in the year but they’re still going to be a serious outfit this year.”
Bugler believes it is a critical game for their side yet is pleased that they have unearthed new players during the league.
“We don’t have a Munster quarter-final this year. Cork and Waterford are playing so we’re not out until the middle of June. You want to be playing competitive games for as long as possible so it’s vitally important for us to stay playing.
“We got more of an opportunity this year to experiment and introduce new guys like Jack Browne, Paul Flanagan, Bobby and Peter Duggan, they all got quality game-time. Last year we were playing more or less the same 15 every league game. The fact that we’re in a league semi-final means we’re now in bonus territory.”
After a hectic and frenzied period of celebrations after their All-Ireland win, Clare’s focus has shifted to the upcoming season.
“We were all new to it (the celebrations) and every weekend we were being pulled left, right and centre to attend these things but that’s part and parcel of being All-Ireland champions.
“Once we went on a holiday and came back we were very much focused on 2014 and last year was put to the back of our minds, especially by our management team. But it was spread between the players and you could deal with that.”
