*Aidan McCarthy scored from a penalty in Clare’s challenge match versus Galway. Photograph: Gerard O’Neill
CLARE’S SENIOR hurlers are continuing their preparations for the first round of the Munster championship.
Brian Lohan’s charges recorded a narrow victory over Galway in Cusack Park this Bank Holiday weekend with a last minute penalty from Inagh/Kilnamona’s Aidan McCarthy sealing the win over Henry Shefflin’s side.
The Clare Echo understands that Feakle’s Adam Hogan will not be togging out for the Clare U20 hurlers in their final round robin clash against Cork. Hogan who is captain of the U20s will instead be in line to make his senior debut versus Tipperary, under the new ‘seven day rule’, players under the age of U20 cannot play senior championship if they had been involved with the U20s in the preceding seven days.
Rory Hayes continues to recover from a wrist injury and is in a battle against time to be fit for the crunch opening round tie against Tipperary, giving Hogan, a 2021 Harty Cup winner the opportunity to grab a starting jersey.
As previously reported by The Clare Echo, Shane Meehan is unlikely to feature in the opening stages of the Munster SHC due to a persistent injury complaint. Mark Rodgers who had been absent for the final rounds of the league will be available for selection.
Eamonn Foudy who had been making his mark in the Allianz National Hurling League is recovering from a knee injury which leaves Eibhear Quilligan as the leading contender to line out between the posts and gives Cian Broderick of Clarecastle a chance to be included among the substitutes.
Like Clare, Tipperary are also viewing the opening round as a decisive one regarding their championship aspirations. In the 2022 championship, Lohan’s side humbled the Premier County in their own backyard and with a new regime, Tipperary will be itching to get revenge.
Liam Cahill is set to reward with Gearoid O’Connor and Bryan O’Mara for bringing their Fitzgibbon Cup form with UL into the county side by giving them championship starts. Jake Morris, Alan Tynan and Eoghan Connolly have been others to assume leadership roles within Cahill’s side.
Injuries have ruled out Cathal Barrett, Seamus Callanan, Ger Browne and Paddy Cadell for the clash while Barry Heffernan and Craig Morgan continue their recovery from knee injuries.
