O'Loughlin reign off to positive start
Ger 'Sparrow' O'Loughlin got his managerial career with Clare off to a good start at Meelick when his side carved out a hard-earned 0-15 to 1-9 win over Waterford IT in the Waterford Crystal Cup.
It was the decision by O'Loughlin to send on Mark Flaherty as a 40th minute substitute that proved crucial as Flaherty scored Clare's final three points from frees.
Waterford IT, who were 0-7 to 0-6 down at half-time, drew level eight minutes from the end when former Tipperary underage star Ray McLoughney rippled the Clare net after good build-up play by Timmy Hammersley and Kieran Grehan. McLoughney finished with 1-2.
At the other end, Waterford IT goalkeeper Adrian Power made a superb save from Clare's top scorer Colin Ryan who landed five points - three from frees.
Clare had four of last year's All-Ireland Under-21-winning side on duty and all showed promise, especially Ryan.
Waterford IT led 0-2 to 0-1 after ten minutes but they were never in front subsequently. The students had a number of outstanding individual players on show including full-forward Hammersley who scored four of their points.
Gerry Quinn made his first appearance for Clare since being omitted for a breach of discipline by Mike McNamara in the middle of last year's league and he marked his return with a well-struck point, 12 minutes into the second half.
