Clare’s Minor Hurlers face Waterford this Friday at 7pm in Sixmilebridge in the Electric Ireland Munster Minor Hurling Championship, with Ger O’Connell’s side needing a win after two opening defeats. 

A rip roaring and high-scoring Round One loss to Tipperary in Thurles was followed by a more subdued  home defeat to Limerick at Zimmer Biomet Páirc Chíosóg. O’ Connell and his backroom staff have had to plan for the loss of joint captain Ian O’Brien whose collarbone injury has ruled him out for the campaign. 

The Deise come into the game as reigning All-Ireland champions defeating Clare last July. They are under new management and have had mixed results so far, with a three-point win in Limerick and a three-point defeat to Cork.

A real championship edge to this one with no room for error . Throw in at O’Garney Park is at 7pm. The Banner are due to  name their team on Thursday evening.