*Clare’s Mark Rodgers. Photograph: Gerard O’Neill. 

CHAMPIONSHIP fever is about to grip the county with the All-Ireland hurling champions Clare beginning the defence of their title this Sunday when Cork come to Ennis.

Our championship hurling coverage is brought to you in association with McKeogh’s in Ballina/Killaloe – built to support champions. You can check out their spring offer in Store and phone them on 061 376249 and delivery is also available.

The Water Break returns in time for championship and The Clare Echo’s Head of News & Sport is joined by Barry Murphy, All-Ireland winner with Clare’s senior hurlers in 1997, Donal Madden All-Ireland winner with Clare’s minor hurlers in 1997 and Martin Conlon three-time Clare SHC winner with Sixmilebridge to preview Sunday’s game.

Clare begin the defence of their All-Ireland title when kicking off their Munster championship bid in Zimmer Biomet Páirc Ciosog at 2pm on Sunday with recently crowned league champions Cork coming to town. Tipperary play Limerick at 4pm in FBD Semple Stadium.

On the clár:

  • What can we gauge from Clare’s league which saw them suffer relegation
  • Hype in Cork
  • Will Sunday determine how the championship goes for both counties?
  • How to go about stopping a very pacy Cork forward line?
  • Who is likely to inherit the difficult task of trying to fill the void left by Shane O’Donnell.
  • Importance of securing primary possession.
  • Moving David Fitzgerald onto Robert Downey a big move that can help Clare
  • AOB

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