It’s never over until the fat lady sings! I’m not sure where the statement originated from but it certainly was the theme of the day in Semple Stadium last Saturday.

 

It’s on the most astonishing of days that you learn the most about who you are. Watching Clare execute a ten-point swing in the final 10 minutes of yesterday’s All Ireland quarter-final with Wexford was undoubtedly the most emotional experience of my coaching career to date.

 

If ever there was an example of hurling becoming an 80 minute, 20 man game, it was last Saturday. If ever there was an instance of hard Winter yards paying dividends, it was witnessed in Thurles. If ever there was a symbol of never giving up, it was epitomised in the Clare team.

 

The reward is an All-Ireland semi-final date with Kilkenny in Croke Park on Saturday fortnight.