*Robin Mounsey is among the Clare injuries. Photograph: Gerard O’Neill.
CLARE’S Mid-Term break in the Allianz National Hurling League has been focused on getting players back to full fitness.
On Saturday, Clare make the trip to St Conleth’s Park in Newbridge to meet Brian Dowling’s Kildare in the fourth round of the Allianz National Hurling League.
With three wins from three outings, Clare remain on course to bounce back to Division 1A.
Speaking following Clare’s 29 point victory against Down, manager Brian Lohan stated, “We still have twelve guys out injured, we had an opportunity to use the full panel today so that was good”.
Of the twelve sidelined a fortnight ago, Adam Hogan has already returned to action and will be available for selection this weekend. The Feakle defender was introduced as a substitute for Mary Immaculate College in their Fitzgibbon Cup final loss to the University of Limerick.
Three of the six Clare panellists on the victorious UL squad remain sidelined. Seán Rynne, John Conneally and Keith Smyth have all been deprived of vital game time and a chance to put themselves in the frame for championship due to injury.
A knock for Diarmuid Ryan meant he was a last-minute omission from Clare’s team in the third round which afforded Niall O’Farrell the chance to make his starting debut in the unfamiliar surrounds of wing back.
Two-time All-Ireland winner David McInerney is continuing his return from injury with wing back Cian Galvin unavailable since the firs round.
Groin injuries have kept Ian Galvin and Robin Mounsey sidelined, Clonlara’s Ian is closer to a return than his Ruan counterpart.
Wolfe Tones trio, Rory Hayes, Daithí Lohan and Aron Shanagher are also dealing with injuries. Lohan was unavailable for Mary I’s entire Fitzgibbon Cup run. Hayes who impressed when returning to corner back for the first two rounds, missed out with a foot injury in round three.
Lohan said, “that is the big thing from our perspective to have everyone on the field, get them training and present ourselves as best we can”.
