With heads bowed, even the most optimistic of them could not even contemplate the dawn of new year. Who could blame them? Their team had lost yet another All-Ireland Final - the fifth in the county's history since 1973.
It's amazing how the dark winter evenings feed the appetite for hurling and it brings with it a longing for a return to hurling and hurling talk.
There was plenty of it during the National Hurling League and it wasn't always positive because a truthful assessment of that National League will tell us that we have learned very little, found little enough new talent and, in general, the standard of some of our hurling left a lot to be desired, however, the real test comes this Sunday at Semple Stadium.

Clare hope to build
We can be assured that Clare will put up a big performance and would hope to build on their performance against Waterford.
The initial thoughts of Clare's win were that the pride had returned to Clare and their energetic type of game had been restored under the guiding hand of Mike McNamara.
That win saw Clare score 2-26 – a huge tally, but their victory was somewhat diluted as the problems within Waterford emerged.
What we can be assured of next Sunday is that Clare will be focused and driven and one cannot underestimate the value of their opening round game to them. That should see them setting the pace early on and, for that reason, Limerick will need to be hurling from the very start and not allow Clare dictate the pace in what most likely will be a ferocious opening 20 minutes.
The teams did meet in the league on and Limerick won that 2-15 to 0-12, but it will have no bearing whatsoever an next Sunday's encounter.
Limerick played five games in the league, winning three of them - scoring 13-82 and conceding 7-84. Clare won just two of their games and drew another - scoring 5-89, but conceded a massive 8-81. Despite the frailities that existed with Waterford, they still managed to score 0-23 and, if the Limerick forwards can win enough primary possession then they have the ability to inflict pain on the Clare defence.
Both corner backs for Clare lacked pace against Waterford and, with the right sort of supply, Limerick have the potential to win in both those positions. Conor Plunkett, the Clare centre-back, scored three long range frees last time out and was strong in general play, however, it is vital that he is taken away from the centre and that the ball comes at speed because Ollie Moran, despite his poor run of form, is a big game player and has the ability to win this battle.

Limerick defence
Indeed the Limerick defence will have to be on their game given that five out of the six forwards who started against Waterford contributed handsomely in Clare's landslide win.
Diarmaid McMahon automatically went to centre-forward, having been listed to play on the wing and, you can be sure that he will be in that position next Sunday. McMahon is an enterprising player who can score and play with intelligence and he will keep any defender busy.

Brian Geary
I am not expecting Brian Geary to start and if that turns out to be the case then his hurling ability will be a huge loss - the Monaleen man was majestic in 2007. He is within a fraction of being ready and may well play a part before the game is over.
The non-availability of Geary will see the number six shirt most likely handed to Paudie O'Dwyer.
He has played a lot of hurling in this position, but next Sunday will be a totally different story.
It's a day for him to launch himself as a championship player but, to do that, he will need to hurl and work like never before.
The holder of the number six shirt must be commanding, vigilant and play a no-nonsense type of game.
While the Limerick management won't openly admit it they are genuinely concerned that a lot of their experienced players are not going well either in training or in some of the challenge games played.
Indeed, the harder some of them try, the more difficult it becomes for them.
That must be a worry since the management and players involved are banking that in the heat of the championship these players will respond.
If that is the case then Limerick's clash with Clare could be made a great deal easier. Normally, when a team makes the All-Ireland final you would expect them to lift the pace considerably in the ensuing year and develop a new edge to their game.
We haven't seen this from Limerick, however, the championship is an entirely different story and those who have struggled up to now could well be the stars of the show next Sunday.
The Clare full-forward line was given an incredible amount of space in their win over Waterford.
In fact they contributed 2 -11, a massive contribution, but I would doubt very much that they will be accorded that space against the Limerick full-back line.
Tony Griffin and Tony Carmody certainly offer a lot to Clare, but if they are tightly marked and regularly tested they have in the past been found wanting. Mark Flaherty scored 1-7 last time out, but Damien Reale has both the experience and craft to control the Killanena man. Jonathan Clancy was the only Clare forward who failed to score against Waterford. The argument could be made that he brings others into the game and, watch for him next Sunday making a third midfielder and picking up the breaks.

Cracking contest
Next Sunday's game certainly has the makings of a cracking contest. It's a game Limerick can win, but they will need to be ruthless in front of goal. I have watched Mike O'Brien in training, but one of the things that has improved greatly with him in recent weeks has been his striking.
I wouldn't be surprised to see a half forward line of O'Brien, Moran and Fitzgerald. That would allow Wayne McNamara or James Ryan go to midfield with Donal O'Grady.
McNamara was unfortunate to be injured last week and that is disappointing for all concerned because he has been making steady progress. Likewise, James Ryan is a powerful young man who had an under-21 and county senior won at just 17. He is a serious prospect for the future, but it is unfortunate that it took so long for this guy to get on the senior panel. All belonging to this man were serious hurlers and I am expecting him to give many dedicated years to the green and white.
Niall Moran looks like getting the nod at full-forward and that may well be a wise move as his pace could well be a testing factor for Clare's Frank Lohan who is now entering the twilight of his career. Moran, on form, can do incredible things with the ball, while Seanie O'Connor is, of course, another option at full-forward.
Combined with Andrew O'Shaughnessey and Donie Ryan the full-forward line has the potency to cause chaos in the Clare defence. Of course it will depend on the delivery of good, fast, quality ball. O'Shaughnessey has superb pace and Donie Ryan is tenacious and skilful. Ryan would be on my starting 15 because his tigerish approach and swift striking will make any defender earn his dinner.

Little between them
While there has been the odd occasion in recent times where either side has won with a degree of ease historically there is seldom between Limerick and Clare.
Clare have made progress by beating Waterford and they will be anxious to build upon that next Sunday and are capable of doing it - any Limerick fraility will be punished.
Limerick are well capable of beating Clare if they display the sort of hurling they showed against Waterford in last year's All-Ireland semi-final.
The fear is that Limeric may be coming into this Munster semi-final cold, but if they can match Clare for fight and compete in the opening 20 minutes then they have the players capable of winning what ultimately could be a very close game of hurling.
Clare are exceptionally fit and their work rate will carry them a long way. Limerick will need to match them for work rate and the basics such as hooking and blocking will be of paramount importance in this game.
A defeat for Llimerick may not end their championship aspirations, but it could seriously wound their fragile confidence. A win, and the entire season and opportunities will open up before them.

Munster Council
Finally, those within the Munster Council who took the decision to remove the wheelchair area from what was a purpose built structure for them, at last Sunday's football semi-final should this week hold their heads in shame. The fourth official for the referee had his table and chair placed there and somebody within the Munster Council took the decision to remove the wheelchair spectators to a lower position in front of the stand to a vantage point that must have made it very difficult for them to watch the match. They deserve an apology for the way in which they were treated.