Ger Loughnane has backed Clare to become hurling's top dogs in the wake of the raft of retirements suffered by Kilkenny.

The Banner have won the last three All-Ireland U21 titles, and the county's 1995 and '97 All-Ireland winning manager expects them to translate that into senior success in the coming years.

"The big ogre is beginning to lose his sense of danger, Kilkenny," Loughnane said at the presentation of Clare's Munster and All-Ireland U21 medals in the West County Hotel, Ennis on Saturday night.

"We have now come from a position of being nowhere at underage level to being the dominant underage team in the country.

"We are dominant because now when people ask who have we to beat to be successful at U21 level, they immediately say Clare.

"If we can get to that situation at senior level, wouldn't it be brilliant to get back there again, and if every team said the team we have to beat is Clare. I am certain, with the quality of player, and the quality of leadership and management we have, that very soon, that's exactly where we will be."

Loughnane was at pains to point out , though, that nothing is guaranteed at senior level, and used Limerick and Galway as an example of this.

"I see you at a crossroads now. You have three U21 medals in your pocket, and some of you have senior All-Irelands in your pocket.

"So what path do you choose now?

"Do you choose the path taken by Limerick U21s who won three-in-a-row, numerous Galway teams who won several (underage) All-Irelands, and that was the path well-trodden.

"As you go along that road you will have plenty people clapping you on the back and saying well done, enjoy life and have a few drinks. You are the most talented players we have ever had, and you can now bring Clare hurling to a new level, but only you can decide that."

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