The man hoping to lead Doonbeg to glory in the Clare Senior Football Championship feels they're much better prepared for a shot at silverware in 2016.
The 2010 county champions were involved in the relegation scrap last year, but have since regrouped and are within touching distance of a semi final spot in the Cusack Cup.
They face Clondegad in the championship opener on Sunday in Labasheeda, and manager Brian Shanahan says they're ready for the battle.
Meanwhile Kilrush manager Mick Liddane is pleased with how preperations have gone ahead of their first round clash.
The west Clare men meet St Breckans for the second year running, with the Shams losing to this weekends opposition in the last eight of the 2015 championship.
Liddanes side have had a difficult league campaign to date, but he's confident they can turn that around.
