*Ciaran Russell. Photograph: Gerard O’Neill
CIARÁN RUSSELL is set to return to the Clare senior football side this weekend.
Russell recently tied the knot with his long-term partner Amy McDermott and was unavailable for selection in Clare’s outings against Roscommon and Derry in the Allianz National Football League. His return to the Banner defence is a timely boost for Colm Collins and his management as they battle to consolidate their status in Division 2.
Clare travel across the border where they meet Padraic Joyce’s Galway at 2pm. While Russell is due to slot back in the starting fifteen, the quartet of Darragh Bohannon, Sean Collins, Kevin Harnett and Dermot Coughlan remain out of action.
Bohannon sustained a shoulder injury in the second round of the NFL when Clare drew with Cork. He is to undergo a shoulder operation and the Shannon Gaels man who goaled in the first round win over Offaly is set to be out of action for a period of months.
Dermot Coughlan, regarded as one of the most exciting attacking prospects in the county, has sustained a broken ankle and two ACL injuries since 2019. The former Clare minor captain missed out on Kilmurry Ibrickane’s Clare SFC campaign last year and continues on the road to recovery.
There is better news for the defensive duo of Sean Collins and Kevin Harnett. While the county boss admitted they are unlikely to see action in the Allianz NFL, they are edging closer to a return. Cratloe’s Collins is nursing a groin injury and is following a programme from Santry Sports Clinic where he has been a frequent visitor, Harnett of the Newmarket-on-Fergus club is out of action with an ankle injury.
