Exit door opens for Clare backroom team – Clare Echo

*Niall Romer. Photograph: Gerard O’Neill

AHEAD of the All-Ireland SHC semi-final, there have been departures from the Clare senior hurling set-up.

Over the weekend, it emerged that prominent members of Brian Lohan’s backroom team were no longer involved with the county hurling side as Clare prepare for a season-defining clash with Kilkenny in Croke Park and bid to reach the All-Ireland final for the first time in eleven years.

Among those exiting are kit man Niall Romer and All-Ireland club winner Kieran O’Neill who had been a selector with the county senior hurlers in 2007 for Tony Considine’s sole season as Clare manager.

Exact reasons surrounding the departures and the reasons for same have yet to come to light with the Clare camp as ever remaining tight-lipped.

Following the Munster SHC final six point loss to Limerick, there had been reports of clashes within the camp, some of which involved players and mentors.

The Clare Echo understands that Romer who has coached teams at all levels with his native Kilmaley and was held in esteem following a coaching stint with the Banner, was not shy in voicing his opinion following one of the exchanges in training. Action was not taken until after Clare bounced back with a strong quarter-final win over Wexford to take action over this.

It is believed that O’Neill who worked alongside Romer with the Kilmaley senior hurlers decided to leave in solidarity following Romer’s exit.

Romer has been kit man for the Clare senior hurlers since Lohan was appointed as Clare manager and has driven the T Shiels & Co sponsored kit van since January 2020. This vehicle as of this week has a new driver.

Prior to Lohan’s appointment, the Kilmaley man in his role as County Board delegate was one of the more vocal representatives, particularly during the latter stages of Pat Fitzgerald’s tenure as county secretary.