*Clare senior hurling manager, Brian Lohan. Photograph: Ruth Griffin. CLARE’s senior hurlers have a lot of “soul searching” to do in the wake of their biggest defeat in seven years, manager Brian Lohan has admitted.
*Clare captain Tony Kelly. Photograph: Gerard O’Neill QUESTIONS were asked of Clare’s defence but answers were given by a brilliant Banner attack in the opening round of the Munster SHC with Tony Kelly, Seán Rynne, Shane O’Donnell and Diarmuid Stritch producing standout displays.
*Captain Tony Kelly leads the way for Clare. Photograph: Ruth Griffin CLARE are off to a winning start in the Munster SHC following a six point victory over Waterford.
*Shane O’Donnell. Photograph: Gerard O’Neill STANDOUT showings from Mark Rodgers and Shane O’Donnell though they didn’t play the full game helped Clare to National League glory and leaves the camp in high spirits ahead of the Munster SHC.
*Mark Rodgers gets away from Chris Crummey. Photograph: Gerard O’Neill. CLARE star Mark Rodgers has said he is “not too concerned” and is optimistic his injury from Sunday’s Allianz National Hurling League final is not too serious.
*Niall O’Farrell and Diarmuid Stritch. Photograph: Gerard O’Neill. LIFTING league silverware is ideal championship preparation for Clare’s senior hurlers according to manager Brian Lohan.
*Conor Cleary accepts the Division 1B trophy from Jarlath Burns. Photograph: Gerard O’Neill. CLARE have won Division 1B of the Allianz National Hurling League capping off their start to the season with a seventh win from as many games.
*Shane O’Donnell. Photograph: Gerard O’Neill. SHANE O’Donnell is to make his first start of the year for the Clare senior hurlers in Sunday’s National Hurling League final.
*Shane Meehan gets away from Conor Grooke. Photograph: Gerard O’Neill. CLARE’S hurlers will look to capture their first piece of silverware this weekend when taking on Dublin in the Allianz National Hurling League Division 1B final.
*Clare senior hurling manager, Brian Lohan. Photograph: Ruth Griffin. CLARE’s hurlers “have had a lot” of injuries but are fortunate none of their players are out long-term, manager Brian Lohan has said.