the words 'Up De Valera' emblazoned across it and the team had walked out behind the same flag in their previous matches ever since Eamon De Valera won the east Clare by election for Sinn Fein in July 1917.

Clare had a history of parading behind political banners and flags before GAA matches. In 1914 the team used to walk out behind a banner declaring support for John Redmond and Home Rule. By 1917 the political mood had changed across Ireland and County Clare fell firmly on the side of those fighting for a Republic. It was a fight which would claim many a life in Clare, including two of its players from the Munster winning side of 1917 - Michael McNamara and Michael McMahon.

The Clare team were notthe only ones to show their nationalist pride in Croke Park on All Ireland final day of 1917. Harry Boland carried the flag of the Irish Volunteers in front of the two teams during the pre-match parade around the pitch. Wexford also displayed a rebellious streak when they ignored travel restrictions imposed by the authorities which prevented people from taking long journeys in motor cars. The Wexford footballers and their entourage headed for Croke Park in a fleet of cars and the Wexford county board was later slapped with a 5 shilling fine!

Wexford did not care about the fine, they beat Clare 0-09 to 0-05 to claim their third All Ireland Football title in a row. Many thought the Clare team would not dwell on their defeat for