After losing Munster finals in 1993 and 1994, Len Gaynor was replaced as manager by Ger Loughnane. Clare made a return to the provincial decider in 1995 after a 2–13 to 3–9 victory over Cork in the semi-final. In the final minutes of the game, Cork were leading by two points when Clare earned a sideline which was taken by Fergie Tuohy. It travelled to the edge of the square, where Ollie Baker doubled on the sliotar, scoring a goal, to put Clare through. In the final, Clare faced Limerick. Clare dominated the game and ran out easy victors by 1–17 to 0–11. This was Clare's first Munster title in 63 years. In the All-Ireland semi-final, Clare played Galway. 2–1 from Ger O'Loughlin and 0–7 from Jamesie O'Connor saw Clare account for the tribesmen by 3–12 to 1–13. Offaly, reigning All-Ireland champions, awaited Clare in the final. In the second half, an Anthony Daly free rebounded off the post and fell to Eamonn Taaffe at the edge of the square, who sent the ball crashing to the back of the Offaly net. Clare ran out 1–13 to 2–8 victors. In 1997, Clare defeated Kerry and Cork to qualify for the Munster final against Tipperary. The match was held in Cork and Clare edged a tight affair by 1–18 to 0–18. Clare defeated Kilkenny by 1–17 to 1–13 in the All-Ireland semi-final. In the subsequent All-Ireland final, Clare were faced by Tipperary who went through the back door to reach the final. A late Tipperary goal saw the Premier County take lead but the teams were tied at 2–13 to 0–19 entering the closing stages. Jamesie O'Connor then scored a point to win Clare the All-Ireland. He finished the match with 0–7 and his outstanding performances throughout the year would see him win the Hurler of the Year award.