Sixmilebridge’s bid for a historic third successive Clare senior hurling title gets underway this evening.
Tim Crowe’s side won back to back titles for the third time in the clubs history last year, but a trio of consecutive crowns has not been achieved in Clare since Newmarket’s golden era of the 1970’s.
First up for the holders is Clarecastle, with these sides meeting for the second time in the last three seasons.
Crowe says the main focus in their league campaign was on making sure as many players as possible got the chance to make their claim for a starting championship spot.
Meanwhile Clarecastle will come into this evenings game without one of their most promising players.
Harty Cup winning captain Cian Galvin will be sidelined for the entire season, after undergoing surgery on a knee injury.
Manager Brian Russell says they are ready for a huge battle against the defending champions.
Throw in this evening is at 7pm with live commentary on Clare FM in association with Ennis Home Furniture, Quin Road Business Park Ennis.
Elsewhere last year’s intermediate champions Scariff are preparing for life back in the top tier for the first time since 2015.
They open their campaign against Wolfe Tones, with county Mark Rodgers set to be a key man for the East Clare outfit.
Manager Mark McKenna says getting back to the senior championship was always their goal.
