In 2012 when the Bridge Under 6s began preparations for a new batch of players little did we know what the future held for 2 of those boys - Mark Sheedy and Matthew O'Halloran walked in the gates of O'Garney Park for the first time as hurlers on the same day and have reached the promised land yesterday together in Tom Semples Field in Thurles as Clare were crowned All Ireland U20 Hurling Champions ..

First off evidence of the dynamic duo here from an U6 blitz in 2012 as the boys stood shoulder to shoulder like they have done so many times since....

From a very young age Mark has aspirations of becoming a keeper - Having heros in his own club like Davy Fitzgerald and Derek Fahy he had 2 greal role models to look up to

In Matthews case he didn't have to look further than across the kitchen table for a hero with his dad Michael winning Celtic Crosses in 1995 and 1997 in what was a golden era for the Banner. But as Tomas O'Connor put it yesterday - its all about the new generation now and we are so proud of our two boys Mark and Matthew. Following on from the heroics of the Munster Final Mark put in another excellent display yesterday between the posts with some brilliant saves and accurate puckouts. Matthew was tasked with marking Galways danger man Jason Rabbitte and was equal to the task producing a super display of defending and really set the tone for the team in the first 10 minutes lifting the crowd with every dispossession he made (akin to the great Brian Lohan in the day).

Both boys now have Minor and U20 Munster and All Ireland Medals and we look forward to the next chapter with great excitement..
Congratulations Mark and Matthew and all the Clare U20 hurling squad for a most memorable day in Thurles yesterday.