Clare season preview 2020: toughest path for Brian Lohan

Shane Stapleton and Michael Verney talk through the chances of Brian Lohan’s Clare. Brought to you by OrgaRetro.com — use the promo code ‘OurGame’ for 15% off all jerseys.

Clare last won a Munster title in 1998, and it’s the longest-running drought in the province.

The Banner have reached just four finals since last lifting the crown in 1998, and each time went home empty-handed.

This year, they have been handed the toughest possible route. Victory over 2018 All-Ireland champions Limerick would mean a date with 2019 kingpins Tipperary one week later.

The prize for winning that? A Munster final against the winners of Cork v Waterford.

Throw into the mix that this is a Clare side coming off the back of a very disappointing championship season last year, where both the Premier and Treaty beat them by double-digits, and it does not auger well.

Factor in that this is Brian Lohan’s first season as an inter-county manager, and that he is short some key players, and it could be a disastrous championship.

Colm Galvin, John Conlon, Peter Duggan and Podge Collins have all won All Stars in the past, and none are available to a side that would already been down the pecking order.

Lohan does have Tony Kelly, a goal threat in Shane O’Donnell, and a number of other seasoned players such as David McInerney and Pat O’Connor.

Click play on the video at the top of the page to watch the discussion.

Brought to you by OrgaRetro.com — use the promo code ‘OurGame’ for 15% off all jerseys.

Manager: Brian Lohan (1st year)
2019 Summary: Didn’t get out of Munster, beat Cork and Waterford, lost to Limerick and Tipperary
Ins: David Reidy, Paul Flanagan
Out: Colm Galvin (injured), John Conlon (injured), Peter Duggan, Podge Collins, Niall Deasy
Championship odds: Munster 12/1; A-I (22/1)
Last Munster Championship title: 1998 (6)
Last All-Ireland win: 2013 (4)
All Stars: David McInerney, Tony Kelly
2020 thus far: Undefeated in the League and finished top of their table. Beat Dublin, Wexford, Carlow and Laois, drew with Kilkenny.
First game: Munster quarter-final v Limerick