Tubber’s Patrick O’Connor has been appointed captain of the Clare senior hurlers for 2017.
O’Connor made his senior debut in the 2011 Munster Championship against Tipperary under the management of Ger O’Loughlin. Under the tenure of Davy Fitzgerald he was a regular starter and lined out at wing-back for the All-Ireland winning campaign of 2013. Last season saw him revert to a role in the full-back line
Along with Conor McGrath he won U21 Munster and All-Ireland championships in 2009 and 2012. Patrick is currently recovering from a recent operation and is expected to be out of action until April. Ballyea’s Tony Kelly who was Joint Captain along with Cian Dillon last season is this year’s Vice Captain and will lead the team in O’Connor’s absence.
Joint Managers Donal Moloney and Gerry O’Connor have announced their starting fifteen for Saturday’s League clash with Cork. Tony Kelly and Jack Browne make their first county appearances of 2017 at midfield and corner-back respectively. Shane Golden partners Kelly in midfield.
After returning to the panel in the winter, Jamie Shanahan is rewarded with a starting spot at wing-back alongside Conor Cleary and Brendan Bugler. Podge Collins wears number eleven and will be flanked by John Conlon and Cathal Malone.
Donal Tuohy is named between the posts, his Crusheen clubmate Cian Dillon is at full-back with Jack Browne and Seadna Morey on either side of him. The named inside forward line is Aron Shanagher, David Reidy and Shane O’Donnell with Reidy likely to have a roaming role.
Clare begin the defence of the Allianz National Hurling League in Pairc Uí Rínn at 7:30pm on Saturday.
Clare:
1. Donal Tuohy (Crusheen)
2. Jack Browne (Ballyea)
3. Cian Dillon (Crusheen)
4. Seadna Morey (Sixmilebridge)
5. Brendan Bugler (Whitegate)
6. Conor Cleary (Kilmaley)
7. Jamie Shanahan (Sixmilebridge)
8. Shane Golden (Sixmilebridge)
9. Tony Kelly (Ballyea), Captain
10. John Conlon (Clonlara)
11. Podge Collins (Cratloe)
12. Cathal Malone (Sixmilebridge)
13. Aron Shanagher (Wolfe Tones na Sionna)
14. David Reidy (Éire Óg Inis)
15. Shane O Donnell (Éire Óg Inis)