Clare manager Brian Lohan carried aloft as he brings Liam MacCarthy Cup to home club
The celebrations are in full flow for Lohan and his Clare team after their epic extra-time victory 3-29 to 1-34 victory over Cork in the All-Ireland hurling final on Sunday
Victorious Clare manager Brian Lohan was treated to a hero's reception as he brought the Liam MacCarthy Cup to his home club on Monday evening.
The celebrations are in full flow for Lohan and his Clare team after their epic extra-time victory 3-29 to 1-34 victory over Cork in the All-Ireland hurling final on Sunday.
And on their way to a homecoming party at the Fair Green in Ennis, the team stopped off at Wolfe Tones GAA Club in Shannon.
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At Wolfe Tones, Lohan began a highly decorated playing career, which included two All-Ireland titles for the Banner in 1995 and 1997.
Lohan would then take his first foray into coaching at his home club before eventually taking over as Clare manager in 2019.
After enduring many agonising defeats, Lohan guided his county to their first All-Ireland title in 11 years on Sunday in the most dramatic circumstances.
And the 52-year-old was raised aloft as he carried the Liam MacCarthy Cup into the Wolfe Tones' clubhouse on Monday evening.
Clare captain Tony Kelly declared on the steps of the Hogan Stand that "in Clare, hurling is like a religion and Brian Lohan is like our God" and, speaking to the media later, the classy No.10 explained why he made that declaration.
"Since he has come in, everything has been for the betterment of Clare, everything from a behind the scenes standpoint," said Kelly.
"We were probably in the media pre-Covid for not having our s**t together, our centre of excellence was always on it - we were never on it for an unbelievable match or performance, it was always what's going on in Clare, or who is rowing with you.
"But since he came in, he cleaned up everything behind the scenes. Then from a players' point of view, he just has us eating out of the palm of his hand. Because he played and was such a legend, he has that the minute he walks into the dressing-room.
"He is teak tough in how he comes across in the media, but to us, he would defend you to the hilt. He is tough, he's a sound man as well behind it all, if you can believe that. He has a softer side to him. He is just a legend."
The celebrations are set to continue well into the night for the Banner, with a stage and big screens in place in Ennis for a long party.
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