Terence Fahy and his management team have named the Clare Under 20 panel to face Tipperary in Round Three of the Munster U20 Championship this Wednesday. Clare will be on the road for their final two round-robin fixtures, with trips to Thurles and Cork still ahead, as they bid to secure a place in a second consecutive Munster final, with progression still very much in their own hands.
Fahy’s side have shown real steely grit in their opening two home ties, digging out a late win over Waterford in an up and down display thanks to a Fred Hegarty goal, before backing it up with an improved all-round performance to edge past Limerick by three points after finishing strongly once again.
There is a new-look edge to the inside forward line, where O’Callaghan’s Mills’ Séan Boyce makes a welcome return from injury to take his place alongside Tomas O’Connor of St. Joseph’s, who impressed as a target at the edge of the Limerick square in the last round. Scariff’s Paul Rodgers is also handed a starting berth following eye-catching cameos off the bench in both of the Banner’s opening outings, while last season’s Minor captain Graham Ball retains his place after an outstanding introduction at half-time in Sixmilebridge where he will partner Ballyea’s Daniel Costelloe.
At the back, Clare’s rearguard has a more familiar look and has been a real positive across the opening two rounds. Broadford’s Eoghan Gunning captains the side from corner-back and lines out alongside Robert Loftus, who has established himself with great affect in the full-back position. Joe Casey has been in excellent form, as has Jamie Moylan, who produced a superb second-half display the last day out to earn Man of the Match honours.
Wednesday evening’s throw in at FBD Semple Stadium is at 7pm.
