*Jamie Malone. Photograph: Martin Connolly
Jamie Malone and David Tubridy get their first starts of 2019 as the Clare footballers welcome Donegal to Ennis on Sunday.
Colm Collins’ men begin their Allianz National Football League Division 2 bid on Sunday in Cusack Park and the Kilmihil native has unveiled an experienced starting fifteen with former county minor captain and Kilmurry Ibrickane’s Dermot Coughlan making his league debut.
Having played at full forward in the McGrath Cup, Gary Brennan returns to midfield in a familiar partnership with Cathal O’Connor. In his place, Keelan Sexton moves to the edge of the square and Clare supporters are hopeful Sexton will be able to bring some of the form he has showed with UL in the Sigerson Cup to the competition.
Éire Óg’s Dean Ryan returns to the Banner lineup having spent last year travelling, he is handed the number five jersey and forms the half-back line alongside his clubmate, Aaron Fitzgerald and Eoghan Collins of Ballyhaunis.
Padraig O’Sullivan from Kerry is the man in the middle for Saunday’s clash which has a start time of 2pm. Donegal boss, Declan Bonner has yet to announce details of his team.
CLARE:
1: Robert Eyers (Kildysart)
2: Kevin Harnett (Meelick)
3: Cillian Brennan (Clondegad)
4: Gordon Kelly (St Josephs Miltown)
5: Dean Ryan (Éire Óg)
6: Aaron Fitzgerald (Éire Óg)
7: Eoghan Collins (Ballyhaunis)
8: Gary Brennan (Clondegad)
9: Cathal O’Connor (Coolmeen)
10: Cian O’Dea (Kilfenora)
11: Jamie Malone (Corofin)
12: Dermot Coughlan (Kilmurry Ibrickane)
13: Kieran Malone (St Josephs Miltown)
14: Keelan Sexton (Kilmurry Ibrickane)
15: David Tubridy (Doonbeg)
