One of the last Clare men to collect an All Ireland hurling medal feels the opening quarter of the contest will be key in setting the tone for this weekend’s semi-final showdown with Kilkenny.
Management will continue to monitor the fitness of key players like John Conlon, Aidan McCarthy and Conor Cleary ahead of the clash with Cats in Croke Park, with late calls expected to be made on all three.
The game comes 12 months after the sides met at this stage of the championship, where the Leinster champions opened up a 14 point gap by the half time break.
Two time All Star Brendan Bugler says settling into the contest early will be a focus on Sunday afternoon.
