*Colm Madden in action for Whitegate. Photograph: Gerard O’Neill There was a real sense of déjà vu as Whitegate were drawn out as the third team of five in the latest Group of Death and therefore receiving a first round bye for the second successive season.
*The experienced Cian Dillon will be at the heart of the Crusheen defence. Photograph: Gerard O’Neill Having experienced the heartbreak and deflation of being relegated before an eleventh hour provincial reprieve, if there ever was a kick in Crusheen, it has to come in the next two months.
*Pearse Lillis raided for the first goal for Ballyea. Photograph: Gerard O’Neill Ballyea flexed their muscles to compete a comfortable first round defence of the Canon Hamilton trophy as they brushed aside the disappointing challenge of O’Callaghan’s Mills in Cusack Park.
*Sixmilebridge defender, Barry Fitzpatrick. Photograph: Gerard O’Neill First blood to Sixmilebridge as a powerful second half display ensured the opening derby spoils over Newmarket-on-Fergus in Cusack Park this afternoon.
*Dylan McMahon has been moved to the centre-back berth for Clonlara. Photograph: Gerard O’Neill Everything appeared to be motoring along nicely for Clonlara until the Clare Cup Final a fortnight ago.
*Éanna Crimmins on the attack for Newmarket-on-Fergus. Photograph: Gerard O’Neill There has been a renaissance in Newmarket-on-Fergus over the past two seasons that has given the Blues a new lease of life at senior level.
*Seadna Morey has been in flying form for Sixmilebridge this season. Photograph: Gerard O’Neill Having amassed five senior championship crowns in just eight seasons as recently as 2020, there were signs last season that Sixmilebridge’s most successful side were beginning to wane.
*Feakle’s Adam Hogan is one of the county’s most exciting prospects. Photograph: Gerard O’Neill While 2021 was ultimately a successful one for Feakle after garnering their first senior silverware since 1988, there’s still no hiding from the disappointment of a premature championship exit.
*Clare manager, Evan Talty. Photograph: Burren Eye Photography PROGRESSING to an All-Ireland semi-final will “mean nothing” unless Clare’s ladies footballers can back it up.
*Caitriona Callinan scored 1-01 for Clare. Photograph: Burren Eye Photography Clare issued a statement of intent after brushing aside Group C table toppers Longford to advance to the last four of the All-Ireland Intermediate Ladies Football Championship.
