*Dylan McMahon is staking a claim for a spot in defence. Photograph: Gerard O’Neill. CLARE’s hurlers have no choice but to find players for the attrition of the modern game, manager Brian Lohan has stressed.
*Thomas O’Connor celebrates scoring St Flannan’s second goal. Photograph: Gerard O’Neill. ST FLANNAN’S COLLEGE showed their character to put themselves within sixty minutes of reaching the Croke Cup final in Croke Park.
*Clare captain, Tony Kelly. Photograph: Gerard O’Neill. STILL UNBEATEN from four outings, Clare left Newbridge with a sense of relief after shaking off a stubborn Kildare but not for the first time it was captain Tony Kelly who led the way.
*Conor Cleary was solid in defence for Clare. Photograph: Gerard O’Neill. FROM being in ‘Newbridge going nowhere’ to eventually turning the tide, Clare are now on the brink of a return to the top tier of the National Hurling League following a fourth consecutive victory.
*Patrick Finnernan celebrates. Photograph: Gerard O’Neill. ST FLANNAN’S COLLEGE are through to the semi-finals of the Croke Cup, producing a strong finish to overcome CBC Kilkenny.
*Photograph: Ruth Griffin SENAN DUNFORD impressed with a dream debut in the National League as Clare made it three from three to strengthen their push back to the top tier.
*Photograph: Gerard O’Neill. FRESH from the disappointment of losing a successive Dr Harty Cup decider, St Flannan’s College are already eyeing up a shot at national glory and a trip to Croke Park.
*A dejected Darragh McNamara at the final whistle. Photograph: Gerard O’Neill. ST FLANNAN’S COLLEGE have been defeated by St Joseph’s CBS Nenagh in the final of the Dr Harty Cup.
*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.
Peter Duggan and Paddy Doyle react to the breaking ball. Photograph: Gerard O’Neill CLARE supporters could probably name their starting line-up for the opening round of the Munster Senior Championship series now but as they found out to their cost in 2025, an inter-county team is only as good as it supporting cast.