*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

Related News

saoirse lillis mcmahon 2
Drunk mother had two young children in car and open bottle of wine on passenger seat when striking and killing 'gifted' teacher and cyclist, Michael Lorigan
clarecastle post office
Big win for Clarecastle to keep post office in the village
Photograph by Eamon Ward
New Fossil Sharks Discovered in the Burren
ennis courthouse 1
A man in his 90s set to be taken to trial for sexual assault
Latest News
clare vs cork u20 06-05-26 robert loftus 1
'We've shown character now we want silverware' - Clare U20s out for glory
saoirse lillis mcmahon 2
Drunk mother had two young children in car and open bottle of wine on passenger seat when striking and killing 'gifted' teacher and cyclist, Michael Lorigan
clarecastle post office
Big win for Clarecastle to keep post office in the village
offaly vs clare 09-05-26 mark mcinerney alan sweeney 1
'It's knockout now' - Madden disappointed as Clare fall flat in Tailteann opener
offaly vs clare 09-05-26 cormac murray 2
Clare receive home draw to Longford in second round of Tailteann Cup
Premium
Three-way tie at top of Cusack Cup amid big confusion over Kilmurry Ibrickane & Éire Óg result
Mills only unbeaten side in Clare Cup & Éire Óg pick up first win of 2026
Kerry knock out Clare of minor football championship
Bail secured for "rebel" man who caused criminal damage to a US military plane
€50m spent on abandoned offshore windfarm which was opposed by Comedian Tommy Tiernan

Annual Subscription!

The Clare Echo annual subscription for just €69.99 a year. 

Prefer to pay monthly? Click the monthly option and get the first six months for just €3 a month (less than 75c per week), and thereafter €8 per month. 

Cancel anytime, limited time offer. T&Cs Apply. www.clareecho.ie.