*David Gough continues as joint captain of the Killaloe outfit. Photograph: Gerard O’Neill It’s eleven years since the last intermediate champion fell straight back down from senior and it’s that bounce of momentum that Tony Gleeson is hoping can fuel Smith O’Brien’s first taste of top flight championship action in nine years.
*Clare defender, Rory Hayes. Photograph: Gerard O’Neill RORY HAYES and Cian Nolan are battling out for the left corner back spot on the Clare team which is expected not to show any major changes.
*Tony Kelly on the attack for Clare. Photograph: Gerard O’Neill At no stage during Saturday’s All-Ireland senior hurling championship quarter final did Clare think that their season was over, according to team captain Tony Kelly.
*Brian Lohan congratulates Cathal Malone. Photograph: Gerard O’Neill A refusal to relent and an unquestionable work ethic stood to Clare’s senior hurlers as they advanced to the semi-finals of the All-Ireland SHC.
*Peter Duggan, David Reidy and Ian Galvin swarm Peter Hogan. Photograph: Gerard O’Neill Yesterday’s game was equivalent to a leisurely stroll in the park for Clare as they dominated from start to finish. Waterford offered no resistance whatsoever in what was the worst display I have ever seen from the county.
*David Reidy made his first championship start of the year. Photograph: Gerard O’Neill CLARE’s senior hurlers marched into the Munster final while storming past the challenge of Waterford on Sunday evening.
*Ian Galvin returns to the Clare team. Photograph: Gerard O’Neill BRIAN LOHAN has made six changes to the Clare senior hurling team for Sunday’s Munster SHC final round robin tie with Waterford.
*Tony Kelly. Photograph: Martin Connolly TONY KELLY is to make his first appearance of the year for Clare’s senior hurlers when they travel to Offaly on Sunday.
*Tony Kelly is on target to return for the end of the National Hurling League. Photograph: Gerard O’Neill CLARE’S lengthy injury list is expected to be eased somewhat over the next fortnight.
*Eddie Bourke. Photograph: Gerard O’Neill Smith O’Briens have exited the Munster club championship, their tally of twelve wides proving costly.
