*Clare goalkeeper, Eibhear Quilligan. Photograph: Gerard O’Neill.
IN what will likely be one of Clare’s tightest league encounters, big scores at vital moments helped kick start the Banner’s push for promotion in the National Hurling League.
Experienced players made their presence felt while cameos from the younger charges have offered fresh saffron and blue hope for 2026.
Eoin Brennan analyses the Clare performances when giving the player ratings.
1: Eibhear Quilligan
Any remaining doubts following a remarkable early recovery from a MCL knee injury would be demolish as the Feakle goalkeeper produced a match-winning performance of defiance. Kept a resurgent Dublin at bay with a brilliant full length stop to deny Cian O’Sullivan just after half-time. And while he would have been disappointed with the goal through Brian Hayes, Quilligan made full amends with a breath-taking penalty stop to somehow tip Donal Burke’s effort over the bar.
Rating: 9
4: Rory Hayes
Made his senior championship debut eight years ago but after an initial whirlwind start, has had to be patient over the past two seasons to get back a starting jersey once more. However, the Shannon native is certainly making the most of his latest opportunity as while he was harshly penalised for a 50th penalty on Donal Burke, he was impressively dogged throughout capped off by a decisive injury-time catch at halfway to directly tee up Tony Kelly for the clinching goal.
Rating: 7
3: Conor Cleary
The solidity he innately provides in Clare’s last line demonstrates what the flagship side had been missing for much of 2025. Was arguably isolated too much at times which could have been alleviated by a sitting colleague but Cleary never gave an inch, particularly when not giving Dublin’s highly rated target man a sniff. Also got a chance to show his Kilmaley attacking side but struck a good chance at a first half point wide.
Rating: 8
2: Adam Hogan
Like his full-back line colleagues Cleary and Hayes, the wafter-thin margin between fierce and fouling is an inevitable yet perilous part of the role. Went toe-to-toe throughout with Donal Burke for the majority and matched Dublin’s chief marksman all the way. Was extremely unlucky to receive a yellow card for a foul on Burke that levelled up the tie for the final time in the 63rd minute but overall coming back to his combative best.
Rating: 7
8: Cathal Malone
A brand new position but typifying Malone’s immense versatility of having played in the forwards, midfield and backs already in 2026, he adapted seamlessly to the role. The proof is in the pudding as his direct marker Darragh Power was withdrawn in the first half as was his replacement Davy Keogh. That said, his absence from the centre was notable as his natural sitting midfield role wasn’t replaced as there was no-one to allow Diarmuid Ryan to sit back in the pocket.
Rating: 8
5: Diarmuid Ryan
The centre-back position is a specialist one especially at inter-county level and it will take time for the Cratloe dual star to master. Stayed too deep for too long against Limerick in the Munster League and whether tactically instructed to or not, pushed forward into the middle third as much as possible on Sunday. Undoubtedly his relentless charges up and down the wing are missed but there’s much more responsibility at number 6 to anchor the defence.
Rating: 7
6: Cian Galvin
Named at centre-back and it would have been interesting to see how Galvin would have fared there as he seems naturally better suited to a spinal role than on the wing. Did extremely well early on to curb Brian Hayes and even got forward to attempt a point he should have nailed. However, being the only starter outside of David Reidy to be making his competitive bow for 2026, he did inevitably tire and was replaced as Cian O’Sullivan and Hayes increasingly caused problems.
Rating: 6
7: Darragh Lohan
Can play anywhere in the back six or midfield and was definitely busy as the middle third was a real minefield that Dublin targeted just as much to try and get on top. Scored Clare’s first point in the fourth minute and directly set up the home side’s opening goal as well in the 29th minute when collecting a puck-out to deliver to David Reidy in the left corner. Establishing himself at midfield will require more cover to the defence when countering.
Rating: 7
15: Ryan Taylor
The midfield zone was so flooded that the Clooney/Quin star found it difficult to make any trademark breaks through the centre. Did have more joy surging down the wing, particularly in front of the home bench in a claustrophobic second half but unfortunately didn’t trouble the umpires at any stage, Indeed, the only player in the top eight to start all competitive matches so far, a better conversion rate than one point from three matches should be prioritised.
Rating: 6
9: David Fitzgerald
Considering the lofty standards set by two All-Stars in 2022 and ’24, there’s much more in the Inagh/Kilnamona star both as an aerial ball winner as well as his influence from general play. Did pick off an eye-catching point in the 20th minute from halfway though while also excelling for Clare’s second goal just before the break when his block down allowed Shane Meehan to counter and tee up Peter Duggan to give the Banner a five point cushion.
Rating: 6
12: Tony Kelly
Up to the hour mark, it was a real mixed bag for the Clare captain, especially on the scoreboard as three first half wides were only offset by a superb first point on the half hour mark. Did win two frees on the resumption, both of which were converted by Mark Rodgers. However, the five-time All-Star came into his own when needed most late on as two points put Clare back in front before a perfect feint and unstoppable finish for the winning goal was worth the admission fee alone.
Rating: 8
10: Peter Duggan
Similar to his wing-forward partner Fitzgerald, Peter Duggan initially found it difficult to get change out of an obstinate Dublin half-back unit. His switch to full-forward proved a game-changer though as now with a target, Clare finally had a real presence in the inside line. Directly set up points for Meehan and Rodgers while scoring the second goal just before the break. And while he would be withdrawn in the final quarter, he was never fully replaced, almost to Clare’s cost.
Rating: 7
25: David Reidy
Thanks to an extended, hugely successful season with Éire Óg, this was a first glimpse of the Ennis dynamo in the Saffron and Blue for 2026 and he highlighted just what Clare have been missing as Reidy operated as both a roaming playmaker as well as a deadly finisher at the half hour mark to dummy his marker and pick up possession for a ruthless opening goal for the hosts. Understandably faded after the break to be replaced by Diarmuid Stitch in the third quarter.
Rating: 7
11: Mark Rodgers
Clare’s top-scorer with eleven points, nine of which stemmed from placed balls. However, it was only when brought out to the half-forward division that the Scariff supremo really got motoring from play, having initially found it difficult to get any change out of a miserly Dublin last line. Uncharacteristically passed up three frees but nailed two from the corner and ultimately held his nerve to keep Clare in touch when the pressure piled on as the second half developed.
Rating: 7
13: Shane Meehan
Heavily involved from the outset, winning two frees that Rodgers scored; hitting a point himself before also picking up the break to attract Dublin’s last line and play in Peter Duggan to goal and ensure a three point half-time edge. Was less impactful on the turnover albeit that he did have a hand in leading score for sub Stritch late on. Amidst a cut-throat competition for places in the forwards, he’ll be disappointed not to have posted more scores for all the supply he received.
Rating: 7
Subs:
21: Diarmuid Stritch
A National Hurling League debut to savour for Clonlara’s newest senior star as he not only got almost thirty minutes to build on an encouraging Munster League cameo but also arrowed over what proved to be a crucial score to finally steer the Banner towards victory. Had fired an earlier wide but this time benefitted from the hard work of Tony Kelly and Shane Meehan to garner a superb score from 60 metre in the final minute of normal time.
Rating: 6
23: Jack O’Neill
Introduced at the turn of the final quarter to try and wrestle back control for the home side who by that stage had fallen three in arrears. Worked hard in the engine room and even though, he twice found it difficult to pick the ball first time, that can predominantly be put down to ring-rustiness as it was hard to get up to the speed of such a seesaw frenetic top of the table opener.
Rating: 6
14: Niall O’Farrell
Handed the number 14 jersey after being catapulted into the squad following a Fitzgibbon Cup injury for Keith Smyth. Went from spectator to making his first ever National League appearance in quick succession though as he came on for Peter Duggan in the final quarter. The first of many chances for the Broadford star no doubt.
Rating: 5
17: John Conneally
His Fitzgibbon Cup commitments have limited his inter-county appearances to date but did well in his brief cameo in the back line as dug deep and was combative to keep Dublin at bay at a pivotal juncture when the result was firmly in the balance.
Rating: 6
24: Colm O’Meara
Came in to give Clare some fresh energy in the centre and his physicality helped albeit that he only got a few minutes to try and make his mark. Will get more game-time to impress though no doubt over the coming weeks.
Rating: 5
