*Shane Meehan races onto the ball. Photograph: Ruth Griffin. CLARE’s hurlers have as expected sealed promotion back to Division 1A in the Allianz National Hurling League and secured an upcoming spot in the 1B final.
*Jack Kirwan. Photograph: Gerard O’Neill. SENAN DUNFORD will make his starting debut in the Allianz National Hurling League with Clare’s leading championship appearance holder John Conlon making his first start of the year and Jack Kirwan returns from a head injury to make his first start in three years.
*Mark Rodgers battles to win possession. Photograph: Gerard O’Neill. STARTING their National League campaign with a win has been a strong way for Clare’s hurlers to respond to the frustration felt by supporters last year, manager Brian Lohan has said.
*Aron Shanagher leaves Jack Kirwan in his path. Photograph: Gerard O’Neill HOT FAVOURITES for an immediate return to the senior grade, Wolfe Tones have qualified for the semi-finals of the Clare IHC but they had to pull out all the stops to overcome Parteen/Meelick.
*Ruan’s Ryan Power. RUAN HAVE completed the line-up for the TUS Clare IHC semi-finals after a fully merited win over a previously unbeaten Parteen/Meelick.
*Conor Cleary and Geraroid Hegarty will cross paths this weekend. Photograph: Gerard O’Neill CLARE’s senior hurling team shows one change for Saturday’s anticipated National Hurling League second round clash with Limerick.
*Clare senior hurling manager, Brian Lohan. Photograph: Gerard O’Neill SHOWINGS from the fresh faces on the Clare senior hurling team pleased Brian Lohan as his charges began their National Hurling League bid with a facile 4-27 0-14 win over Westmeath.
*Ian Galvin. Photograph: Gerard O’Neill CLARE’s senior hurlers hit the ground running in the first round of the Allianz National Hurling League romping to a twenty five point win over Westmeath.
*Adam Hogan starts at corner back. Photograph: Gerard O’Neill ADAM HOGAN AND JACK KIRWAN are to make their National Hurling League debuts for the Clare senior hurlers this weekend while Doora/Barefield’s David Conroy gets his first start in the competition.
*Clare senior hurling manager, Brian Lohan. Photograph: Gerard O’Neill BRIAN LOHAN is in the process of finalising his Clare senior hurling squad for next year with a number of changes in personnel to his panel.