Sixmilebridge’s bid to claim three in a row Clare senior hurling championships for the first time in their history got off to a winning start when they accounted for the challenge of a youthful Clarecastle on Friday evening.
*Tony Kelly and Ballyea are viewed as the main side capable of stopping Sixmilebridge’s three in a row bid. Photograph: Gerard O’Neill At long last, it’s the return of the Clare SHC and Eoin Brennan previews the hotly anticipated action.
*Photograph: Gerard O’Neill With a meaningless Clare Cup campaign behind all teams, it’s full steam ahead towards the championship with action brimming to life over the course of the weekend.
*Cian O’Dea produced an outstanding display as Kilfenora outclassed Liscannor. Photograph: Burren Eye Photography First round wins were recorded by Corofin, Kilfenora, Kildysart and The Banner in the opening round of the Clare IFC.
*Gavin Cooney. Photograph: Gerard O’Neill Éire Óg had it easier than expected when they ran out ten point winners against Lissycasey in the opening round of the Clare SFC.
*Éire Óg’s Ikem Ugwueru will bring great strength to the middle third for the Townies. Photograph: Gerard O’Neill With the guarantee of three group games, Éire Óg’s senior footballers are eager to build quickly and compactly to try progress from Group Three.
*Aidan McGuane. Photograph: Gerard O’Neill The winners of five of the seven adult football leagues were confirmed at the weekend with St Josephs Miltown (Cusack Cup), Lissycasey (Division 2, Garry Cup), Cratloe (division 3), Doonbeg (division 5) and Ennistymon (division 7) all capturing the spoils.
*Cillian Rouine will be available for selection for Ennistymon this weekend. Photograph: Burren Eye Photography The penultimate round in the 2021 adult football leagues in Clare will take place this weekend and while there isn’t any promotion or relegation this season, titles are up for grabs.
*Clare corner forward, Gavin Cooney. Photograph: Gerard O’Neill Fresh from the minor ranks, Gavin Cooney was recruited onto the Clare senior panel by Colm Collins to make his debut in 2018, now off the back of their condensed League bid he finds himself as a go-to choice at corner forward in the side.
*Clare manager, Brian Lohan. Photograph: Gerard O’Neill There is mixed news on the injury front for the Clare senior hurlers as they put the finishing touches on preparations for Sunday’s Munster SHC quarter-final.
