*Eibhear Quilligan is expected to remain between the posts. Photograph:Gerard O’Neill
CLARE HURLING IS currently on a high and the county’s senior side will look to keep the good times rolling this weekend.
Brian Lohan’s charges face off with Waterford now managed by Davy Fitzgerald with both counties needing a win to keep aspirations of advancing out of the provincial championship alive.
Waterford arguably come into the tie under more pressure with the Déise without a win in two outings, they put up a reasonable test against Limerick in the opening round losing to the All-Ireland champions by two points but then flopped in a nine point loss to Cork a week later.
It was a reversal of a different kind for the Banner who begin the campaign with a five point loss to Tipperary in Cusack Park but produced an inspiring turnaround to inflict a first championship defeat on Limerick since 2018.
Back to back wins will put Clare in the right direction in trying to qualify for successive Munster finals while a defeat ensues the final round with Cork becomes a must-win tie where scoring difference would likely dictate if they remain in the hunt. Defeat for Waterford this weekend effectively ends their championship and would represent an underwhelming second stint in charge for the Sixmilebridge native.
Lohan and his management are not expected to finalise their team until later this week but no major changes are expected.
Saturday’s tie throws-in at 6pm in Semple Stadium.
