*Shane O’Donnell is expected to make his first start of the year for Clare. Photograph: Gerard O’Neill
CLARE’s senior hurling management are anticipated to make changes from the starting fifteen crowned Allianz National Hurling League champions for Sunday’s first round of the Munster SHC.
Brian Lohan and his management will not name their team until later this week and even changes to what is announced then is possible.
Clooney/Quin’s Ryan Taylor continues his recovery from an ACL injury and remains out of the equation, for now.
Four-time All Star Tony Kelly has made strong progress with his recovery from an ankle operation before Christmas and could well be listed among the substitutes for the Limerick game.
Speaking following Clare’s league final success, Lohan said he was hopeful Kelly would be able to play some part against Limerick. “He is still working hard as he always does, we are hoping that he will get better”.
Eibhear Quilligan is set to be named between the posts with Conor Cleary anchoring the full-back berth. Adam Hogan will be handed a corner back jersey while Conor Leen is battling competition from Rory Hayes and Paul Flanagan for the spot in the other corner.
Both John Conlon and Diarmuid Ryan are expected to be in the half-back line where they will be joined by either David McInerney or Cian Galvin.
Wolfe Tones’ Darragh Lohan is on course to make his first start in the Munster SHC alongside Cathal Malone in the middle of the field.
Having made his first appearance of the year in the league final, Shane O’Donnell is on course to be included in the starting six forwards which is also set to include David Fitzgerald, Mark Rodgers and Aidan McCarthy with Ian Galvin and David Reidy also vying for inclusion.
