*Shane O’Donnell. Photograph: Gerard O’Neill. HURLER OF the year, Shane O’Donnell has confirmed that his recovery is ahead of schedule and he is hopeful of featuring for Clare in this year’s championship.
*Clare’s contingent of Tony Kelly, Patrick Crotty, Brian Lohan, Aidan McCarthy & Mark Rodgers. LEAGUE CHAMPIONS in 2024 to relegation to the second tier following the 2025 campaign represents a dramatic turnaround in fortunes for Clare’s senior hurlers.
*Clare supporters in Croke Park. Photograph: Gerard O’Neill WITH the dawning of a New Year comes a new season where Clare supporters will be hoping to experience the highs of 2024 once again.
*Davy Fitzgerald. Photograph: Gerard O’Neill DAVY FITZGERALD has stepped down as manager of the Waterford senior hurlers.
*Clare selector Ken Ralph. Photograph: Gerard O’Neill CLARE SELECTOR Ken Ralph believes “Limerick played their best hurling of the year in Sunday’s Munster final”.
*Tony Kelly. Photograph: Gerard O’Neill CLARE’S TONY KELLY says the performance from Sunday’s Munster final is the most difficult aspect to stomach from the defeat.
*Adam Hogan battles with Shane O’Brien. Photograph: Gerard O’Neill CLARE are “still in the championship” and are determined to bounce back, defender Adam Hogan has said.
*David Reidy and David Fitzgerald in action. Photograph: Gerard O’Neill RESILIENCE shown by Clare’s hurlers in the past can be replicated according to senior manager Brian Lohan who rued missed chances at “crucial periods” in Sunday’s Munster final.
*Mark Rodgers reacts to a missed opportunity. Photograph: Gerard O’Neill There was no stopping Limerick’s historic drive for an unprecedented six-in-a-row of Munster Senior hurling crowns as Clare were made to suffer their third final defeat on the trot in FBD Sem-ple Stadium in Thurles.
*Ian Galvin. Photograph: Gerard O’Neill IAN GALVIN would have a cause to be frustrated with the lack of game time he has received in this year’s championship but he’s quick to point out that the competition for places has been central to Clare’s run this season.
