*Ronan Kilroy catches the sliotar in the air. Photograph: Ruth Griffin.
MAKING THEIR return back to the top tier of the Allianz National Hurling League was one of the goals set by the Clare hurlers and they achieved this with Saturday’s thirteen point win over Carlow.
A fifth win in succession from as many outings saw Clare ensure their stint in Division 1B is one for season only.
Clare manager, Brian Lohan outlined that promotion from the second tier back to the top flight was an early target set as they began preparations for 2026. “We went about our business fairly well and got the result we needed to get and it gets us back to 1A for next season. That was one of the goals we had at the start of the year”.
With a bye in the final round, Clare’s meeting with Wexford on Sunday in Zimmer Biomet Páirc Chíosóg is their last clash before the Division 1B final. Next weekend’s tie is “something to look forward to. Wexford coming to Ennis is always a big game, it’s usually in 1A but it’s 1B this year, it’s something to look forward to next weekend”.
Depending on results it could well be the first of two meetings between the sides as the Slaneysiders are still in with a shout of qualifying to meet Clare in the Division 1B decider. “It looks like Wexford will need to win in Ennis to get to the final so it should make for a could game,” Lohan stated.
