*Cian O’Dea. Photograph: Gerard O’Neill
CLARE’S SENIOR footballers will have their first run-out since the disappointing Munster final defeat to Kerry when they welcome Donegal to Ennis.
Cusack Park hosts Saturday’s tie which commences at 2pm and is an unfortunate clash with Clare’s outing in the All-Ireland minor hurling semi-final.
In what is viewed as a defining game of how Clare’s All-Ireland SFC campaign will go, Colm Collins’ will know they have to win if they are to have aspirations of building on last year’s race for the Sam Maguire which saw them reach the quarter-finals for the second time since 2016.
Cian O’Dea who missed the wins over Cork and Limerick in the Munster SFC and was introduced as a substitute in the fourteen point loss to Kerry is back in the reckoning for a starting jersey.
O’Dea is among one of the likely changes to the Clare side. Éire Óg’s Gavin Cooney will hope to push himself into contention for a role in the Banner attack while Brian McNamara who made his championship debut in the Munster Final is continuing to climb up the ranks.
With further ties against Monaghan and Derry, Clare will not view the task of Donegal lightly but will know their chances will be boosted if they get off to a winning start in the All-Ireland SFC series.
Galway’s James Molloy has been appointed as the referee for Saturday’s fixture.
