Podge reveals inter-county focus for 2017

Podge Collins has revealed which code he will be focusing on in 2017.

In October Collins admitted that he would not be fulfilling a dual role. It has emerged this morning that the Cratloe man is to devote his time to the Clare Senior hurlers for the upcoming season. This has been confirmed to The Clare Herald by a spokesperson for Clare GAA.

Twenty four year old Podge juggled his commitments to both the senior footballers in 2016 with both teams reaching the All-Ireland quarter-finals. He was nominated for the Hurler of the Year award in 2013 when Clare secured their fourth ever All-Ireland title under the management of Davy Fitzgerald.

2014 saw Collins line out for both squads as his father Colm took charge of the footballers. In 2015 he opted for the big ball and sustained a cruciate ligament injury which ended his season prematurely.

This year the popular attacker was a regular starter for the hurlers but featured in every game for the County’s footballers whether it was from the bench or from the throw in.

It is a boost for newly appointed Donal Moloney and Gerry O’Connor while the footballers who recently welcomed Alan Flynn on board as coach will be planning on how to adjust in Podge’s absence.

He will continue to play both hurling and football with his beloved Cratloe.