Clare manager Davy Fitzgerald has made four changes from the Clare team that defeated Dublin last week for the crucial NHL trip to Nowlan Park to face Kilkenny.
Two of the switches employed were forced due to the shoulder injury sustained by Tubber’s Patrick O’Connor while fellow wing-back Brendan Bugler is suspended following his first half dismissal last week. Goalkeeper Donal Tuohy is replaced by Inagh/Kilnamona’s Patrick Kelly while Shane Golden also makes way.
Fitzgibbon Cup winner Jack Browne enters the Clare team at corner-back with his UL teammate David McInerney moving to the edge of the square which results in Joint Captain Cian Dillon being named at wing-back. Clare’s other Captain Patrick Donnnellan will fill the other half-back position with Sixmilebridge’s Seadna Morey getting his first start of this year’s NHL at midfield as a result of Donnellan’s move to defence.
Colin Ryan returns to the Clare lineup in place of Shane Golden at wing-forward and the Newmarket-on-Fergus man is joined by John Conlon and Tony Kelly in the half-forward line. Clare’s full-forward line is the only unchanged line of the field from the Dublin win with Aaron Cunningham, Shane O’Donnell and Conor McGrath all continuing in their roles.
Following impressive cameos from the bench last week both David Reidy and Bobby Duggan have not been handed starting jerseys but they’re expected to play some part along with Clonlara’s Domhnall O’Donovan.
Clare FM will be live from Nowlan Park tomorrow with Syl O’Connor and Tommy Guilfoyle in the commentary box. Throw in is at 14:00 and Clare FM’s coverage is brought to you in association with Matt Waters Clare Fruit and Veg Market and Donie O’Keeffe Champion Meats Turnpike Road Ennis.
Clare Team:
1: Patrick Kelly (Inagh/Kilnamona)
2: Paul Flanagan (Ballyea)
3: David McInerney (Tulla)
4: Jack Browne (Ballyea)
5: Patrick Donnellan (O’Callaghans Mills)
6: Conor Ryan (Cratloe)
7: Cian Dillon (Crusheen)
8: Colm Galvin (Clonlara)
9: Seadna Morey (Sixmilebridge)
10: John Conlon (Clonlara)
11: Tony Kelly (Ballyea)
12: Colin Ryan (Newmarket-on-Fergus)
13: Aaron Cunningham (Wolfe Tones na Sionna)
14: Shane O’Donnell (Éire Óg)
15: Conor McGrath (Cratloe).
