Mayor of Clare Councillor Tony Mulcahy this evening congratulated the Clare Under 21 Hurling Team on defeating Kilkenny in the All Ireland Final at Croke Park.Clare County Council and Ennis Town Council also confirmed that a homecoming celebration will take place from 7pm at O’Connell Square in Ennis town centre tomorrow. “The pride, passion and skill demonstrated by this group of young sportsmen is a tribute to everybody associated with Clare hurling”, stated the Mayor.
Cllr Tony Mulcahy noted: “On behalf of Clare County Council, I would like to congratulate the U21 hurlers for the honour and pleasure they have brought to Clare by their achievement. The performance against Kilkenny was a wonderful demonstration of the sporting talent that exists in this county and how our young hurlers are able to compete with one of the game’s top intercounty sides. The fact that this is Clare’s first All Ireland title since 1997 further underlines the magnitude of this achievement.”
He added: “In 2008, Munster U21 Final victory hopes appeared to have been dashed following the loss to Tipperary. Yet one year later this team have proved to the sporting world that with pure solid determination anything can be achieved. ‘Write Clare off at your peril’ was the message sent out by the U21 hurlers and management in the aftermath of last year’s crushing defeat. Their unflinching confidence in their own abilities has resulted in this All Ireland victory and a well-earned place in sporting history”
“I would like to congratulate John Minogue, the Clare team and all the back-room staff who played with such heart and pride in the County jersey in Croke Park. This All Ireland win will act as a tonic for the people of Clare and will give the County’s GAA players, clubs and supporters great confidence in achieving further success at national level in the years to come”, stated the Mayor.
Mayor Mulcahy concluded by paying tribute to the Kilkenny Under 21 team whom he said “contributed greatly to what was a very enjoyable sporting spectacle for all hurling supporters”.
