Club managers and supporters across Clare have been digesting last nights county senior football and hurling draws which took place in Ennis.
Defending hurling champions Crusheen will take on Newmarket,Clooney Quinn Ballyea and Kilmaley while Jack daly holders Doonbeg must meet Liscannor,Ennistymon and Lissycasey in their group.
Clare cup winners Sixmilebridge are up against neighbours Wolfe Tones as well as Tulla the Mills and Clarecastle while Cusack cup holdrs Milltown must meet Shannon Gaels,Cratloe,and St Josephs Doorabarefield.
Former two in a row champions Kilmurray Ibrickane are in a group with Kilmihill, Wolfe Tones and Kilrush Shamrocks and county board delegate Michael Considine feels the long break between the opening rounds could prove difficult for some sides:
The county hurling championship has seen first tiem winners for the last two seasons and Bodyke clubman and county u21 hurling selector Sean O Halloran thinks 2011 could see the trend continue: