Winning a first Munster title since 1998 is one of Clare's aims this year but selector Louis Mulqueen isn't looking beyond tomorrow's quarter-final clash against Limerick.

In an interview with Clare FM, reproduced in today's Examiner, Mulqueen said they have put the disappointment of relegation from Division 1A behind them and are firmly focussed on the Treaty County test.

"The league is the league. People say they want to do well in it, and we did, but it goes out the window, league form, once the championship kicks in," he observed.

"The game opens up, everyone's in a different mode in their hurling, and everyone wants to win it.

"It's not about dodgy mind games, this is hell for leather, blood and guts, full-blooded Munster championship - and whoever wins on Sunday, Tipperary are champing at the bit to get at them, then."

On the Banner County's long wait for provincial glory, he added: "It's crucial that Clare start winning Munster titles, but you have to start with the first game. It's no good thinking about Munster titles if you can't get past the first round.

"It's a serious test, but who would you want to draw in Munster?

"At the start of the year people might have said 'Waterford', but they're there or thereabouts, they can get into a Munster final if they beat Cork. Tipp, Limerick, Cork - who's the soft draw there?

"It's coming tomorrow and we have a panel ready to give everything for Clare hurling.

"They've given everything - despite what you might hear - they're making sacrifices, working hard, and that's the passion we need for Sunday's game. To give everything and to be there 'til the last second with Limerick."

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