*Daniel Walsh. Photograph: Gerard O’Neill
WING BACK, Daniel Walsh has returned to training for Clare ahead of Sunday’s Munster senior football final.
Both Walsh and corner back Micheál Garry missed out on Clare’s fourteen point semi-final win over Waterford.
Kilmurry Ibrickane clubman Walsh is pressing strongly for inclusion in the starting fifteen for the provincial decider against Jack O’Connor’s Kerry, he is further ahead than Garry in his recovery from injury.
Speaking to The Clare Echo, Clare manager, Mark Fitzgerald confirmed that Walsh completed half a session on Friday evening in Clareabbey. “Micheál may make it as well and I’d be delighted if he did because he had a great league for us and he has been one of our best players in the league, it would be nice for Micheál himself to be available for selection”.
Éire Óg’s Ikem Ugwueru started in place of Daniel for the semi-final, the Ennis man had been a starter in all of Clare’s league outings and was a surprise omission from the named fifteen which had included Walsh. His physicality and pace will be needed by Clare when they welcome Kerry to Ennis.
Ugwueru’s clubmate Éinne O’Connor is also understood to be available for selection having recovered from a hamstring injury sustained in the League. Cian Burke made his championship debut in the Waterford win, captain of the St Breckan’s side which reached last year’s county final he was unavailable for the entire league due to injury.
Brendy Rouine who has not played competitively since last year’s U20 championship tie with Kerry continues his recovery from a long-standing groin injury but is making progress.
Alongside Burke, Diarmuid O’Donnell and Tom McDonald also made their championship debuts from the bench.
Fitzgerald maintained the competition for places in the Clare team is greater now than during the height of their bid for promotion. “Lads that were getting up to speed in the league such as Éinne (O’Connor) and Cian (Burke) are that bit fitter now, Micheál is that bitter, the other lads are getting healthier, Jamie Stack is pushing a good bit to be fair, Diarmuid O’Donnell came on the last day and did well, they are getting fitter and more used to the system and what is required at this level, it bodes well for Clare football, it makes it a healthier panel”.
