Both of last years finalists got off to a winning start in this years TUS Clare senior hurling championship.
Holders Clonlara were dominant eight point winners over Ballyea with Ian Galvin’s late goal crowning the performance.
Manager Donal Madden is pleased to get the win but feels more will be needed when they go again in two weeks time
Elsewhere in that group, a late Robert Loftus point eventually settled a brilliant battle as Eire Óg edged past Clooney-Quin by the minimum.
Clooney-Quin boss Fergal Lynch says their job now is to regroup and try to get their season back on track
Meanwhile Crusheen took a major step toward a quarter-final spot as they held off a late Newmarket on Fergus rally to claim a one point win
Manager Michael Browne says it was vital for them to build on last years progress
You can hear interviews from all three managers below