*Daniel Walsh. Photograph: Gerard O’Neill
CLARE’S footballers will recommence their bid for promotion in the Allianz National Football League when they travel to Offaly on Sunday.
With one win and one loss to their name following the opening two rounds, Clare’s destiny remains firmly in their own hands with the potential to climb further up or fall down the table.
Mark Fitzgerald’s side recorded a one point win over Sligo in round one before losing to Westmeath by a single point, the disallowing of Cormac Murray’s late goal proving to be a bone of contention for Banner supporters.
A reoccurring hamstring injury ended Cillian Rouine’s involvement in proceedings two weeks ago. The Ennistymon defender was introduced at half-time for his first appearance of this year’s league but was replaced after twelve minutes.
Captain Cillian Brennan remains sidelined with injury and as previously reported by The Clare Echo is expected to miss the majority of the league. “We’ve a bad run of injuries with the lads,” Fitzgerald told The Clare Echo.
Having kept faith with the same fifteen for both of Clare’s games, Fitzgerald and his management are tipped to once again opt against any alterarations. Éire Óg’s Éinne O’Connor is among those strongly pushing for a starting berth on the county side.
Sunday’s opponents Offaly are without a win following their two outings to date. They lost 1-11 0-10 against Dessie Dolan’s Westmeath in the opening round at home while an away tie versus Antrim saw them defeated 2-5 1-7.
Declan Kelly is in his first year as Offaly senior manager having led their U21s to a memorable All-Ireland win in 2021.
