*Ian Galvin. Photograph: Gerard O’Neill
FOUR CHANGES have been made by Brian Lohan and his management team for Clare’s final outing of the 2023 Allianz National Hurling League.
Defeats to Limerick and Galway mean Clare will not progress to the semi-finals of the NHL. They face Cork this Sunday in Cusack Park, a dress rehearsal ahead of their championship showdown on May 21st.
Eibhear Quilligan, Cian Nolan, Seadna Morey and Ian Galvin enter the starting fifteen with Eamonn Foudy, Adam Hogan, David Conroy and Peter Duggan making way.
Galvin was introduced on sixty two minutes in last weekend’s clash with Galway and managed to hit two points in that brief spell. He’s rewarded with a starting spot, joining Aidan McCarthy and David Reidy in the full-forward line.
Killaloe’s Nolan get his first start of the year with Adam Hogan rested ahead of Clare’s U20 championship opener. Behind him Quilligan will be determined to produce a fine display as he competes with Foudy for the goalkeeper’s jersey.
Morey’s addition to midfield gives hope to Clare supporters that the Sixmilebridge man will be trialled in the centre of the park for the championship with his strength and pace an invaluable addition. He partners Tony Kelly at midfield with last year’s pairing of Ryan Taylor and Cathal Malone included in the half-forward line alongside David Fitzgerald.
Conor Cleary and Paul Flanagan form the full-back line with Nolan while the half-back line is the only line of the field not to see any changes with Diarmuid Ryan, John Conlon and Cian Galvin all retained.
Clare:
1: Eibhear Quilligan (Feakle)
2: Cian Nolan (Smith O’Briens)
3: Conor Cleary (Kilmaley)
4: Paul Flanagan (Ballyea)
5: Diarmuid Ryan (Cratloe)
6: John Conlon (Clonlara)
7: Cian Galvin (Clarecastle)
8: Seadna Morey (Sixmilebridge)
9: Tony Kelly (Ballyea)
10: David Fitzgerald (Inagh/Kilnamona)
11: Cathal Malone (Sixmilebridge)
12: Ryan Taylor (Clooney/Quin)
13: David Reidy (Éire Óg)
14: Aidan McCarthy (Inagh/Kilnamona)
15: Ian Galvin (Clonlara)
Subs:
16: Cian Brodrick (Clarecastle)
17: Brandon O’Connell (Ballyea)
18: Mike Gough (Smith O’Briens)
19: Robin Mounsey (Ruan)
20: Peter Duggan (Clooney/Quin)
21: Aaron Fitzgerald (Éire Óg)
22: Paddy Donnellan (Broadford)
23: Jack Kirwan (Parteen/Meelick)
24: David Conroy (St Joseph’s Doora/Barefield)
25: Darragh Lohan (Wolfe Tones)
26: David McInerney (Tulla)