A predecessor of Davy Fitzgerald's as Clare hurling manager has backed up his claims that drink and substance abuse was a problem within the panel.

Mike McNamara - who was in charge for 2008 and '09 - revealed to the Irish Examiner that it was a subject he had to address with the players 'on more than one occasion' during his two years at the helm of the Banner County.

"There are times when it would have been widespread, yeah," McNamara said.

"I did address the issue on more than one occasion. That is part and parcel of management and it would be the first thing most managements would do.

"The first thing you do is sit down with your players and lay out the rules and guidelines, so it wouldn't be unusual to sit down with your players and discuss what is necessary going forward." Tweet

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