Eire Óg boss Tommy Corbett admits the loss of Shane O’Donnell for Sunday’s Clare Senior Hurling Quarter Final is a major blow.
The 2013 All Ireland hero has moved to the US after being awarded a prestigious year-long Fulbright Scholarship to Harvard University.
The Townies take on Kilmaley this weekend where victory would see them move one step closer to a first title since 1990.
Corbett says it’s up to the rest of the squad to step up to the mark to fill O’Donnell’s spot.
Meanwhile Cratloe manager Alan Neville says they have a score to settle when they line up against Sixmilebridge.
These sides met at this stage 12 months ago when the Bridge ran out winners by 3-18 to 1-13 en route to regaining their title as county champions.
Neville says that defeat is still fresh in their minds