The 9th May 2023 will be remembered for a long time as the Clare Minors captured the Munster title for the first time since 2011. It was our 5th title in total (1981, 1989, 2010, 2011, 2023) having lost 16 previous finals and the historic thing about this one was we beat the Cork Rebels for the first time in the final.

While some outlets will complain about the amount of games in this competition or the frequency of games, anyone in Thurles last night will see that the boys involved in this competition are loving every minute of it while their families and supporters are truly living their best lives following the Clare hurling teams at the moment.

Following the huge disappointment of the loss to Tipperary on penalties last year Clare returned stronger physically and mentally for the 2023 Munster campaign. While the campaign started in a very wet night in Shannon with a win over Tipperary, followed by a hiccup against Limerick in the Gaelic Grounds, a win against Waterford in Fraher Field, defeating Cork in Sixmilebridge before a semi final showdown with Limerick in Ennis last week. This win ensured a day in the Sun in Tom Semples field last night culminating in the Banner being crowned champions.

What a proud night for the Bridge also - Mark Sheedy in goals kept a clean sheet and was launching puck outs like missiles down on the Cork Full back line while his fielding of high balls had him looking like a comfortable full back.

Matthew O'Halloran played in Midfield, one of the main engines of the team, had a free won inside 2 seconds of the start to set the tempo, hit two superb points from the middle of the park and while Babs Keating of Tipperary was famous for his hurling footwear (bare feet), Matthew O'Halloran of Clare set a new trend with 2 different boots.

All in all it was a wonderful night for all Clare folk as BOCs Babes became champions - As the PJ Murrihy rendition of The Rose of Clare was stopping and starting it was wonderful to hear the Clare players and supporters carry the song as the celebrations continued on the field.

So while May 2023 was crowning glory, it was May 2010 when all this started - the night the likes of Mark and Matthew walked in the gates of their clubs to begin hurling. Lots try to make it, some are unlucky very few do make it but those that do all have one thing in common - Work Ethic.

For all coaches lets keep that in mind on Saturday mornings when the boys and girls come in the door of the arena for Spraoi Saturday - they could be the next Mark Sheedy, or Matthew O'Halloran or Calum Phelan all of who are playing minor with Clare in 2023. Mol an Óige.

For now, as Eoghan Gunning accepted the cup he spoke of how there is more to be done by this team in 2023 - Exciting times ahead. Sin Sin for now as Eoghan would say.