Clare hurler Adam Hogan aiming to build on incredible 2024

Not many hurlers can claim to have the year Clare's Adam Hogan had in 2024.

Starting with victory in the Fitzgibbon Cup against Mary Immaculate College, Hogan was vital for Clare as they won National Hurling League, which was followed in the summer by their first All-Ireland in 13 years.

Hogan also helped his local club Feakle to their first Clare senior hurling title since 1998.

His contribution to the team was recognised, as he won Young hurler of the Year back in October.

Looking back on the year, Hogan saw the Fitzgibbon triumph as a stepping stone for the success that followed.

"It was a stepping stone for success in the summer. Especially against our rivals UL, it was bittersweet.

"You would be playing with lads you would never play with. Lads from Limerick, Cork, and Galway, lads you would be rivals with on the field. It is good to see what type of lads they are.

"It was a great victory, it was definitely a stepping stone for success for myself.

The road back to success was difficult for Clare, who got so close to All-Ireland finals in recent years, but fell short to Kilkenny in the 2022 and 2023 semi-finals.

Had this Limerick team being around at a different time, Hogan and his Clare teammates would likely have provincial medals around their neck.

Even after the division one title win, defeat to Limerick in the Munster final looked like it would be the same story for Clare.

However, Hogan says their reaction to the defeat was crucial to success.

"After the Munster final, we took six days without hurling. It was refreshing to heal.

"Getting over the line, the leaders we have, they have been there before. "It shows the defiance in the team, getting over that Munster final defeat.

"Two losses two years in a row