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Gilly: 'It's definitely over now'

by Oli Skehan , 02 September 2011

Clare's triumph in last Saturday's All-Ireland Intermediate hurling final, their first ever, has proved to be Sixmilebridge legend Niall Gilligan's last at inter-county level.


The 35-year-old, who helped himself to three points in the historic 2-13 to 1-11 win over Kilkenny at Semple Stadium, announced his decision after the game in Thurles.

Gilligan helped the Banner to All-Ireland SHC glory 14 years ago and also won two provincial medals with his native county.

"I have been getting a good slagging but it's definitely over now," Gilligan is quoted as saying in The Clare Champion.

There were a number of young players in the starting XV and the auctioneer feels this can only benefit Clare in the future, saying: "The new Clare management coming in will have to look at a system where they take a few players from all angles, a few in the mid-20s from the club championship, a few minor players, a few from the U21s.

"There are a few in this panel and time will tell if they are good enough but I would bet that there are two or three from this panel who will play senior for Clare. It happened in '93 with the Junior win. The experience gained from playing in All-Ireland-type atmospheres in big stadiums, in matches like this is a huge help. There are three or four thousand present and it has to stand to players."

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