*Cian Galvin strikes under pressure. Photograph: Gerard O’Neill CLARECASTLE’s Cian Galvin is five years on the county senior hurling panel but is still considered one of the ‘new kids on the block’ on the starting team.
*Shane O’Donnell is expected to make his first start of the year for Clare. Photograph: Gerard O’Neill CLARE’s senior hurling management are anticipated to make changes from the starting fifteen crowned Allianz National Hurling League champions for Sunday’s first round of the Munster SHC.
*Cathal Malone. Photograph: Gerard O’Neill CLARE’S senior hurlers are expecting a defining seven day period in their season when they begin their championship campaign at home to Limerick before travelling to Cork for the second round.
*Shane O’Donnell takes on Darragh O’Donovan. Photograph: Gerard O’Neill WINNING the Allianz National Hurling League title could be “a blessing or a curse” for Clare’s hurlers, former Limerick hurler Niall Moran maintained.
CUSACK PARK’s capacity is to be increased following an inspection this week.
*Aidan McCarthy. Photograph: Gerard O’Neill Clare powered into their first National Hurling League final in four years after brushing aside the challenge of neighbours Tipperary in O’Moore Park in Portlaoise.
*Clare’s John Conlon. Photograph: Gerard O’Neill CLARE SHOULD HAVE LED by more than three points at half-time in the Munster senior hurling final, centre back John Conlon has said.
*Ian Galvin impressed when introduced late in the game. Photograph: Gerard O’Neill Despite the gut-wrenching result, you would have to marvel at the occasion in the Gaelic Grounds last weekend.
*Peter Duggan is fouled by Mike Casey. Photograph: Gerard O’Neill THE WATER BREAK returns to dissect a successive one point Munster final defeat for Clare’s senior hurlers at the hands of Limerick.
*Clare manager, Brian Lohan. Photograph: Gerard O’Neill SHOOTING EFFICIENCY was the big let down for Clare in their Munster final defeat to Limerick, manager Brian Lohan has said.
