There are a number of intriguing ties in the Quarter Finals of the Clare Senior Hurling Championship, though it will be a number of weeks before fans get to see them.
The draw for the last eight of the county championship was made at last evening’s county board meeting, but the matches will not be held until the last weekend of this month, in order to give the county’s under 21s the best possible preparation ahead of their All Ireland Final.
Defending champions Crusheen take on Inagh/Kilnamona in one of the most interesting ties – member of the combo’s management team Paul Gannon admits it’s a difficult draw, but says they’ll be gunning for victory
The winner of that match will then take on either Kilmaley or Cratloe in the last four, after those sides were paired together in the Quarter Finals.
A number of Cratloe’s players face a busy month, as they remain in the county football championship and in the Clare Under 21 hurling setup, but Kilmaley’s John Carmody admits his team face problems of their own, including the emigration of Alan Markham.
The other side of the draw will see Clonlara face O’Callaghans Mills and Tubber take on Newmarket on Fergus.