*Ronan Lanigan makes his first start for the Clare seniors. Photograph: Gerard O’Neill
COLM COLLINS is to start two debutants in Clare’s National Football League opener against Louth.
David Sexton of Kilmurry Ibrickane is to start between the posts while two-time Clare SFC winner Ronan Lanigan makes his first outing of the Allianz National Football League at corner back. Lanigan’s teammate at club and county, Ciaran Russell remains out of action with a leg injury.
Jamie Malone is named at wing forward but doubts remain over the fitness of the Corofin man.
Eoin Cleary captains the side at centre forward with his cousin Dermot Coughlan making a welcome return to the senior team, injuries kept him out of the side last year. Coughlan’s clubmate Keelan Sexton is named at corner forward in a line which also includes Podge Collins and the in-form Emmet McMahon.
Midfielder Cathal O’Connor is the longest serving player named on the team, he partners Darren O’Neill in the middle of the park. The half-back line is comprised of Cian O’Dea, Pearse Lillis and Alan Sweeney with Manus Doherty and Cillian Brennan completing the defence along with Lanigan.
1: David Sexton (Kilmurry Ibrickane)
2: Manus Doherty (Éire Óg)
3: Cillian Brennan (Clondegad)
4: Ronan Lanagan (Éire Óg)
5: Cian O’Dea (Kilfenora)
6: Pearse Lillis (Cooraclare)
7: Alan Sweeney (St Breckans)
8: Cathal O’Connor (Coolmeen)
9: Darren O’Neill (Éire Óg)
10: Jamie Malone (Corofin)
11: Eoin Cleary (St Joseph’s Miltown)
12: Dermot Coughlin (Kilmurry Ibrickane)
13: Pádraic Collins (Cratloe)
14: Emmett McMahon (Kildysart)
15: Keelan Sexton (Kilmurry Ibrickane)
Subs:
16: Stephen Ryan (Kilrush Shamrocks)
17: Darragh Bohannon (Shannon Gaels)
18: Gavin Cooney (Éire Óg)
19: Ciarán Downes (Kilmihil)
20: Aaron Griffin (Lissycasey)
21: Shane Griffin (Lissycasey)
22: Mark McInerney (Éire Óg)
23: Brian McNamara (Cooraclare)
24: Darren Nagle (Liscannor)
25: Ikem Ugwueru (Éire Óg)
26: Daniel Walsh (Kilmurry Ibrickane)
