Clare goalkeeper Joe Hayes is adamant that they have always taken a serious attitude towards football.

The big ball game continues to live in the shadow of hurling in the Banner County, but football in Clare has certainly reached a higher profile in recent years.

Hayes is one of the longest serving players on the panel and he stressed to the Clare Champion that even in their dark days, they always took it seriously.

"Even when we weren't this professional, people were asking, why do you keep doing it," said Hayes. "My answer is the same as everyone inside in that dressingroom. There is no one in there for the craic.

"We all love Clare football and we all want Clare football to progress. I can't wait for three weeks' time, down in Cork with no one giving us a chance.

"That's why I'm driving up and down the road, leaving my family at home three or four nights a week. We'll keep doing it because you can only do it once."

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