Clare’s hurlers return to Croke Park for the first time since 2013 today.
The Banner men face last year’s All Ireland winners Galway, who hope to stand in Clare’s way of an All Ireland final appearance.
Clare have named an unchanged team to the side that beat Wexford last time out, while Galway have replaced Niall Burke with 2017 All-Star Conor Cooney.
Clare joint manager Donal Moloney says the fact that their opponents are reigning Champions is not putting extra pressure on his side:
Meanwhile, Clare Captain Pat O’Connor says he’s looking forward to the challenge the Tribesmen will pose:
Two time Clare All Star hurler Brendan Bugler says there’s no doubt Clare will have a tough battle ahead of them against Galway:
Meanwhile, Clare FM’s Gavin Grace has been monitoring the atmosphere building up across the Banner county:
We’ve live commentary of today’s Semi-Final here on Clare FM with Syl O’Connor and Tommy Guilfoyle live from Cusack Park from 4.45pm, in association with Matt Waters Clare Fruit and Veg Market and Geraghty’s Spar Turnpike Ennis.
CLARE STARTING 15 (as per match programme):
1. Donal Tuohy (Crusheen)
2. Patrick O’Connor (Tubber) – CAPTAIN
3. David McInerney (Tulla)
4. Jack Browne (Ballyea)
5. Seadna Morey (Sixmilebridge)
6. Conor Cleary (St Josephs Miltown)
7. Jamie Shanahan (Sixmilebridge)
8. Colm Galvin (Clonlara)
9. Cathal Malone (Sixmilebridge)
10. Peter Duggan (Clooney-Quin)
11. Tony Kelly (Ballyea)
12. David Reidy (Éire Óg Inis)
13. Podge Collins (Cratloe)
14. John Conlon (Clonlara)
15. Shane O’Donnell (Éire Óg Inis)
SUBSTITUTES:
16. Andrew Fahy (Whitegate)
17. Rory Hayes (Wolfe Tones na Sionna)
18. Cian Dillon (Crusheen)
19. David Fitzgerald (Inagh-Kilnamona)
20. Michael O’Malley (Kilmaley)
21. Jason McCarthy (Inagh-Kilnamona)
22. Niall Deasy (Ballyea)
23. Ian Galvin (Clonlara)
24. Michael O’Neill (Kilmaley)
25. Conor McGrath (Cratloe)
26. Aron Shanagher (Wolfe Tones na Sionna)
GALWAY STARTING 15 (as per match programme):
1 James Skehill
2 Adrian Tuohy
3 Daithi Burke
4 John Hanbury
5 Padraic Mannion
6 Gearoid McInerney
7 Aidan Harte
8 Johnny Coen
9 David Burke (Capt.)
10 Joseph Cooney
11 Joe Canning
12 Jonathon Glynn
13 Conor Whelan
14 Conor Cooney
15 Cathal Mannion