Clare have advanced to the next round of the qualifiers after a tense victory over Wexford at Thurles this afternoon.
It was a hard fought game in sweltering conditions, although Brian Lohan's side were on top for the vast majority of the contest. They were ahead for the entire match, although Wexford kept within touching distance.
In the end, the Munster side would run out 2-25 to 2-22 winners.
However, there remains some division within the county.
Speaking to the media after the game, Wexford manager Davy Fitzgerald slammed the way he and his family have been treated by some within Clare hurling circles.
His father Pat is the secretary of the Clare County Board and has the subject of abuse on social media over the course of 2021.
Fitzgerald said the level of ridicule directed at his family this year is something unlike he has ever seen before.
I’ve experienced the toughest year that I’ve ever experienced in GAA.
The way myself and my family have been treated is an absolute and utter disgrace. The way I felt all week, I didn’t even know if I wanted to come into this game to tell you the truth.
I’ll put it to you like this – in Clare, the biggest problem we have is a small bunch of people that create problems. They think they’re helping and they’re not and I’m going to put it to you like this – very, very, very simply – I’m a simple person that loves GAA.
I think I’m one of the most ever played for Clare GAA. My dad, who I’m extremely proud of, has done an unbelievable job. The amount of abuse and stick and criticism that he has taken, unwarranted, is not – not! – justified.
And can I say to people, people have brothers and sisters, mams and dads. People have people that actually care about them and what people in the media in Clare have done is absolutely disgusting.
What people on social media have done is disgusting. What one or two people – one or two clubs – have done, instead of looking at themselves and how they can make their teams better, they have tried to pull us into a place that we don’t need to be.
The amount of support I have got from within 90% of Clare clubs is absolutely incredible. It is only the few who need to stop, need to stop, and need to work together.
Fitzgerald's future with Wexford will be up in the air after this early championship exit, with many believing he may now step down from the role after five years at the helm.
Speaking in his post-match television interview, he wished Clare all the best for the remainder of the championship.
"Well done to Clare. I'm a Clare man at heart, and I only wish them 100% the best of luck from here, and I mean that with all my heart."
Davy Fitzgerald gives his thoughts after @GaaClare's victory over @OfficialWexGAA! pic.twitter.com/cqLKtk2ohf— Sky Sports GAA (@SkySportsGAA) July 17, 2021
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