*Robbie Hogan. Photograph: Gerard O’Neill ROBBIE HOGAN has returned as manager of the Ballyea senior hurlers for the third time while former Clare manager Donal Moloney has taken charge of his native Scariff.
*Kilmaley’s Seán O’Loughlin. Photograph: Gerard O’Neill KILMALEY got their championship campaign off to a flyer when they ran riot against Corofin on Saturday.
*Kilmaley captain, Daire Keane. Photograph: Gerard O’Neill KILMALEY will be going all out to start the TUS Clare SHC on a high note.
*Ex Clare manager, Gerry O’Connor is back for a second stint as Éire Óg manager. Photograph: Martin Connolly AS the new domestic GAA season approaches, clubs across the county have been busy putting plans in place while many have commenced training for what they hope will lead to title winning performances.
*Michael O’Malley is tackled by Conor Downes. Photograph: Gerard O’Neill Billed as a winners-takes-all final round showdown, Kilmaley and Scariff were ultimately content with a draw-suits-all conclusion as both sides advanced to the senior hurling championship quar-ter-finals at the expense of back-to-back champions Ballyea.
*Michael O’Malley brushes past the challenge of Cathal O’Connor. Photograph: Gerard O’Neill ONLY TWO games may have taken place in the Clare SHC this weekend but Kilmaley’s powerful second half display has put them on the right track to emerging from the group of five.
*Kilmaley’s Michael O’Malley finished as top scorer for his side. Photograph: Gerard O’Neill KILMALEY PRODUCED A stirring second half to defeat county champions Ballyea on Saturday evening.
*Kilmaley’s Conor Cleary. Photograph: Gerard O’Neill Since the draw was made and the fixtures quickly deciphered, the opening round derby between back-to-back holders Ballyea and then Clare Cup champions Kilmaley easily stood out from the pack as the tie of the first weekend.
*Kilmaley defender Noel Casey. Photograph: Gerard O’Neill Having won their opening four games in this season’s Clare Cup (Division 1A) hurling league, Kilmaley played three games in seven days and managed to pick up just one out of a possible six points losing to Feakle and Newmarket-on-Fergus while sharing the spoils with Crusheen.
*Kilmaley goalkeeper, Bryan O’Loughlin. Photograph: Gerard O’Neill Kilmaley got the defence of their Clare Cup title off to a winning start when they proved too strong for Broadford at the St. Patrick’s grounds in Limerick on Friday night.
