Clare Hurlers and Footballers Target Big Wins

We have two big games for the Clare Senior Footballer and Hurlers in their respective league campaigns this afternoon.

First up in football, Colm Collins charges host Carlow in their penultimate round of the division four campaign in Cusack Park.

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The Banner lie second on the table behind Tipperary, knowing a good win today should be enough to see them hold onto that position.

Management have made two changes to their side with Ciaran Russell and Kevin Hartnett the players coming in to replace Martin Oige Murphy and Shane Brennan.

Clare enter the game as favourites, but Collins says Carlow can't be underestimated.

Throw in in Cusack Park is at 2 o'clock, our build up starts live from Cusack Park at 1:45, our coverage of the football this afternoon comes in association with Evergreen Healthstores Galway.

Elsewhere in division four this afternoon

We'll be keeping a close eye on the action as 3rd place Leitrim host top side Tipperary, Leitrim are currently level on points with Clare, just behind the banner men on scoring difference.

At the same time Wicklow host Waterford, with 4th placed Wicklow still in the promotion hunt.

All games throw in at 2 o'clock

There are also three games this afternoon in Division 1. 

Cork will be hoping to extend their lead at the top of the table this afternoon when they host Tyrone at Pairc Ui Rinn. 

Throw in there is at 2pm. 

Fourth placed Derry could also move top of the table, depending on results this afternoon, if they Kildare at Celtic Park, with throw in at 3pm. 

And also at 3pm, Kerry will be favourites for their trip to Mullingar to take on Westmeath. 

 

At 3:30 our main attention will turn to the fortunes of the Clare hurlers, who have made the journey to portlaoise to take on Division 1B side Laois in the Quarter Finals of the Allianz Hurling League.

Davy Fitzgerald annouced his team late last night, he makes 7 changes, in a side that features 12 of the team that started last years All Ireland replay victory.

Conor Cooney of O'Callaghans Mills, and Clarecastle's Bobby Duggan get their first starts in this league campaign.

David McInerney and Cooney replace Domhnall O'Donovan and Jack Browne in the corner back positions.

Pat O' Connor moves back to his familiar wing back position, meaning Pat Donnell and Colin Ryan return as the midfield partnership at the expense of Colm Galvin and Paul Flanagan.

John Conlon comes inot the half forward line in place of Shane Golden.

Duggan and Conor McGrath replace Cathal McInerney and David Reidy in the corner forward positions.

Clare Manager Davy Fitzgerald says the O'Moore County can't be discounted today.

Throw in this afternoon is at 3:30 and Clare FM's coverage of tomorrows clash in Portlaoise will be brought to you in association with Matt Waters Clare Fruit and Veg, and Donie O'Keefe Champions Meats Turnpike Road Ennis.

Elsewhere in todays quarter final action

Reigning league champions Kilkenny travel to Wexford Park to take on Wexford in a bid to make the semi finals. 

Limerick welcome Galway to the Gaelic Grounds, both of those games also underway at 3:30

At Semple Stadium in Thurles, Tipperary host Cork. 

Tipp just edged into the quarter finals after beating Dublin last weekend, while Cork won Division 1B, to ensure they will be playing in the top division next season. 

Throw in in Thurles is at 3.45pm. 

In the Division 1A relegation play off, Anthony Dalys Dublin travel to Walsh Park to take on Waterford from 3.30pm. 

And in the Division 1B relegation play off, Antrim play Offaly for the second week in a row. 

Antrim were thrashed last weekend, so will be hoping that home advantage helps them today. 

Throw in at Ballycastle is from 2pm