Clare Hurlers Seek Defensive Stability from Veteran Conlon

Analyst says Clare boss Lohan should consider starting Conlon to shore up leaky defense

Apr. 20, 2026 at 10:00am

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A fragmented, geometric painting depicting a hurling match, with sharp planes of green, blue, and yellow representing the chaotic action on the field.A cubist interpretation of the defensive vulnerabilities plaguing the Clare hurlers, as they seek veteran leadership to shore up their backline.Ennis Today

RTÉ hurling analyst Neil McManus believes that Clare boss Brian Lohan may need to find a starting spot for veteran defender John Conlon if the Banner are to steady their leaky defense as the Munster hurling championship progresses. Clare opened their round-robin campaign with a thrilling 2-33 to 4-21 win over Waterford in Ennis on Sunday, a result that mirrors their recent Division 1B final win over Dublin - high scoring at one end but defensive vulnerabilities at the other.

Why it matters

Clare's high-powered offense has been a strength, but their porous defense has been an ongoing concern that could undermine their championship aspirations if not addressed. Veteran Conlon's experience and leadership could be crucial in plugging the holes in Clare's backline as they aim for a deep run in the provincial and All-Ireland championships.

The details

In their opening Munster championship match, Clare's offense exploded for 2-33 against Waterford, but they also conceded 4-21 at the other end, continuing a trend of defensive lapses that has plagued the team. Analyst Neil McManus believes Clare boss Brian Lohan should consider finding a starting role for veteran defender John Conlon to help stabilize the backline and shore up those defensive vulnerabilities.

  • Clare opened their Munster championship round-robin campaign on Sunday, April 20, 2026.
  • Clare recently won the Division 1B final over Dublin.

The players

Neil McManus

RTÉ hurling analyst who provided analysis on Clare's defensive issues.

Brian Lohan

Manager of the Clare senior hurling team.

John Conlon

Veteran defender for the Clare senior hurling team who could help stabilize the team's defense.

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What they’re saying

“It was the forwards who were on show yesterday down in Ennis, they really caught the eye,”

— Neil McManus, RTÉ Hurling Analyst

The takeaway

Clare's high-powered offense has been a strength, but their porous defense has been an ongoing concern that could undermine their championship aspirations if not addressed. Veteran defender John Conlon's experience and leadership could be crucial in plugging the holes in Clare's backline as they aim for a deep run in the provincial and All-Ireland championships.