*Pearse Lillis raided for the first goal for Ballyea. Photograph: Gerard O’Neill Ballyea flexed their muscles to compete a comfortable first round defence of the Canon Hamilton trophy as they brushed aside the disappointing challenge of O’Callaghan’s Mills in Cusack Park.
*Sixmilebridge defender, Barry Fitzpatrick. Photograph: Gerard O’Neill First blood to Sixmilebridge as a powerful second half display ensured the opening derby spoils over Newmarket-on-Fergus in Cusack Park this afternoon.
*Jack Browne will form a key pillar of the Ballyea defence at centre back. Photograph: Gerard O’Neill With the race for the Canon Hamilton trophy set to get under way this Saturday, there is, understandably, much speculation among followers as to who will take home the trophy come the end of the campaign.
*Action begins this weekend in the Clare SHC with four games down for decision on Saturday. It may be argued that the GAA is more political than political organisations themselves, off-the-field antics can certainly strengthen this theory across multiple aspects of the Association.
*Dylan McMahon has been moved to the centre-back berth for Clonlara. Photograph: Gerard O’Neill Everything appeared to be motoring along nicely for Clonlara until the Clare Cup Final a fortnight ago.
*Éanna Crimmins on the attack for Newmarket-on-Fergus. Photograph: Gerard O’Neill There has been a renaissance in Newmarket-on-Fergus over the past two seasons that has given the Blues a new lease of life at senior level.
*Pat McNamara on commentary duty for Scariff Bay. Photograph: Burren Eye Photography Current analyst with Scariff Bay Community Radio, Pat McNamara who served as a selector with the Clare Development Squads at U14 to U17 levels from 2007 to 2012 gives his prediction on what way the Clare SHC will pan out this year.
*Seadna Morey has been in flying form for Sixmilebridge this season. Photograph: Gerard O’Neill Having amassed five senior championship crowns in just eight seasons as recently as 2020, there were signs last season that Sixmilebridge’s most successful side were beginning to wane.
*Fergie O’Loughlin. Photograph: Chris Copley HE WAS COACH TO Clarecastle when they won the 2003 Clare SHC title and now Fergie O’Loughlin is coaching the Ballybrown senior hurlers, he has had a big influence on the Ballyea club and expects them to claim the Canon Hamilton for the fourth time.
*Feakle’s Adam Hogan is one of the county’s most exciting prospects. Photograph: Gerard O’Neill While 2021 was ultimately a successful one for Feakle after garnering their first senior silverware since 1988, there’s still no hiding from the disappointment of a premature championship exit.