Flan Clune

When people talk about Clooney hurling and the Family names associated with it, the Clune name is always high on that list. Flan Clune, along with his brother Mike, were pivotal members of the victorious Clooney Junior hurlers who bridged a 24-year gap when they captured the County Championship in 1966………….. 

Name: Flan Clune

Age: A sprightly 63…………

Where are you now? Swords, Co. Dublin.

What Years did you play for Clooney? The 50’s to late 60’s

Highlights?

Winning the 1966 Junior Championship for sure. (The Junior Championship of that time was equivalent to the current Intermediate Grade). For a long time, we were regarded as the whipping boys in Clare, but that changed around 64 and 65. A nice team came together and we became very competitive. I travelled down from Dublin for the matches, sometimes with Fr. Pat Littleton. I worked in Aer Lingus and sometimes I flew down. Scoring the winning goal was a special moment, though the papers reported that my brother, Mike was the scorer!

Those you went into Battle with?

What I enjoyed most was the camaraderie of the lads that togged out together. I really enjoyed the Reunion Dinner in 2006, meeting the teammates again. Pat (Sob) O’Brien(RIP) was quiet but very solid. Paddy Gilmartin(RIP) was an outstanding Leader. Pat Littleton had great commitment. Brendan Vaughan(RIP) was an inspiration. I was Secretary of Clooney at the time and Delegate to the Co. Board. Brendan was an Officer of the Co. Board and he would collect me and bring me to the Meetings in Broadford. He gave his Heart and Soul to the Club! Sonny Scanlon was tigerish and Seán King was a terrific goalscorer.

Who were your trainers?

Mike Power, Joe O’Halloran and Sergeant Brendan Sexton. Brendan trained the team in the Hall. He had the team extremely fit. I trained in Dublin with Fr. Pat. Joe O’Halloran was brilliant to repair any hurleys we broke in games or at training.

Who was your toughest opponent? Why??

There was a fella from Cappagh. I don’t know his name. He was wing-back. A tough nut, he was! There was a McMahon man from Meelick, Jim I think, he lives in Tulla now. I had a great battle with him in the Final, but I slipped him for the goal!

Heroes?

Ring. I saw him in a few Munster Finals. He was the best. I saw him score 3 goals against Limerick. He was like Pelé. Jimmy Smith too, of course. Pat Cronin who was a great solo runner. Puddin’ was terrific too. I lived in Dublin from 1962, so I was able to go to Croke Park to matches. I saw them all. Tom Cheesty, Theo English. Of course, I couldn’t leave out Brian Lohan and he driving out of defence with the ball. I’ll never forget that. And Jamsie too……..

What were your most memorable moments?

I remember togging out for a match one day in the front of Fr. Pats car on the way from Dublin as we drove between Killaloe and Tuamgraney. I thought we would be killed. The car was bouncing all over the road. We were going to Tulla. The lads always had to delay the games in order that we could get to the games in time. Mick Slattery, the Ref would be in the middle of the field blowing the whistle as we would arrive.

Of course, the story goes that Michael Power(Toonagh) who passed the ball to me for the winning goal in the ’66 Final, claimed that he thought he was passing the ball to Mike. If he knew it was me, he wouldn’t have passed it! I don’t think this story is true, but Mike says it is!

(Note from Author: Thank God Michael passed that ball. The ’66 Victory bridged a 24-year Gap since Clooneys last victory….)