*Oisin Donnellan has assumed the mantle of free taker in the absence of Shane McGrath. Photograph: Gerard O’Neill. FEAKLE’s defence of their Clare SHC title has saw them battle an increasing amount of injuries but the mantra within their dressing room is “next man up”.
*Feakle captain, Oisin Donnellan. Photograph: Gerard O’Neill. COUNTY CHAMPIONS Feakle are braced for “a crunch game” with Newmarket-on-Fergus in the second round of the TUS Clare SHC.
*Shane McGrath of Feakle. Photograph: Gerard O’Neill. FEAKLE begin the defence of their title as Clare SHC under-strength in terms of personnel but not lacking when it comes to belief.
*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.
FEAKLE’s success in winning a seventh Clare SHC title and a first since 1988 has been hailed as “an unbelievable achievement”.
*Feakle celebrate. Photograph: Ruth Griffin FEAKLE are Clare SHC champions for the first time since 1988 after powering past the challenge of Sixmilebridge in Monday’s final.
*Martin Daly scored Feakle’s goal in the semi-final. Photograph: Gerard O’Neill. FEAKLE “deserve their crack” at a county final, the manager of their senior hurling side has said.
*Shane McGrath gets to the sliotar before Gearoid Hanrahan. Photograph: Ruth Griffin. FEAKLE treated their final round clash with Corofin as knockout and have adopted a ‘no more second chances’ approach.
*Kilmaley’s Michael O’Malley. Photograph: Gerard O’Neill WITH TWO wins from two, Kilmaley are anticipating a “tough” challenge from Cratloe in the final round of the TUS Clare SHC.
*Enda Noonan. Photograph: Gerard O’Neill CHAMPIONSHIP “is all about winning,” said Feakle manager Ger Conway as his charges go in search of successive victories.