There was no separating Shannon Olympic and Sporting Ennistymon in their opening game of the Maloney Garden Machinery Premier Division.

Sometimes in order to move forward you must take a couple of steps backwards and that’s where Ennis Town find themselves as they go about rebuilding their team.

They may be the new boys in the Maloney Garden Machinery Premier Division but Bridge Celtic aren’t just there to make up the numbers.

After narrowly avoiding relegation last season, Corofin Harps are targeting survival in the Maloney Garden Machinery Premier Division along with a long stint in the Clare Cup.

A stint in the First Division has acclimatised Shannon Town with the Clare Soccer League once more and they are now determined to cause a splash as they return to the top tier.

Avenue Utd had to settle for a position outside the top three last season but now they’re not just targeting a return to the top three but they want to challenge for the top prize in the Maloney Garden Machinery Premier Division.

Reigning Premier Division Champions Newmarket Celtic will hope to emulate their successful form last season. Newmarket had a very hectic 2015/16 season, playing in excess of 40 games spanning over a 10 month period. Last year, they tasted success in both domestic and provisional competitions.

Next Sunday sees the beginning of the 2016/17 junior soccer season in Clare.

Donie Garrihy will remain in charge of the Clare’s Oscar Traynor team for the coming season.