*Darren O’Neill is pulled back by Conor Grimes. Photograph: Gerard O’Neill
MIDFIELDER DARREN O’NEILL will miss Clare’s clash with Meath in the second round of the Allianz National Football League at Páirc Tailteann in Navan this Sunday.
Colm Collins’ side make the trip to Navan aiming to put successive wins together after defeating Mickey Harte’s Louth with a last-minute Jamie Malone point on Sunday.
They won’t be able to call on two-time Clare SFC winner Darren O’Neill for the Meath game. The towering midfielder suffered a broken thumb in the opening round against Louth.
After making an impact from the bench last weekend, Darragh Bohannon of Shannon Gaels will hope to grab a starting jersey in O’Neill’s absence.
Keelan Sexton who limped off with a hamstring strain before half-time is an injury doubt. His fitness will be monitored throughout the week a final decision on whether or not he will play any part won’t be made until nearer match time.
It’s expected that the experienced Ciaran Russell of Éire Óg will again be an absentee as he continues his recovery from a leg injury. He is expected to be back in action in the coming weeks.
Ennistymon’s Cillian Rouine remains out of action and is unlikely to be back in the mix until March, there is more positive news for his younger brother Brendy who is nearing a return.
Lissycasey’s Aaron Griffin missed out on playing any part last week after picking up a hamstring injury in training on Friday night. On Tuesday night last he was introduced in the final quarter by the University of Limerick and he went on to make a valuable contribution in their Sigerson Cup quarter-final win over defending champions University of Galway.
It’s expected that he will be in contention for a place in the squad for Sunday’s clash with Meath who were impressive first round winners over Cork at Páirc Uí Chaoimh.
Griffin was one of a number of Clare players that helped UL dethrone the Sigerson champions in a repeat of last year’s final. Daniel Walsh (Kilmurry Ibrickane), Ciaran Downes (Kilmihil). Emmet McMahon (Kildysart), Ikem Ugwueru (Éire Óg), Brian McNamara (Cooraclare) and Oisin Looney (Miltown) are also part of the Limerick side’s panel.
