Clare manager Paul Madden has named his side for Saturday’s opening round of the Tailteann Cup against Offaly as the Banner prepare to enter the competition for the first time.
Madden has shown faith in the players that produced an encouraging display against Kerry in the Munster Championship, with most of that side retained despite another difficult week on the injury front.
The major absentee is St. Joseph’s Miltown sharp shooter Eoin Cleary, who pulled up during the clash with Kerry and has failed to recover in time for the visit of the Faithful County. Cleary’s leadership and scoring ability will undoubtedly be missed by Clare.
Drafted into the starting fifteen is his club mate Cormac Murray, whose electric pace and direct running could pose serious problems for the Offaly defence.
Clare’s defence earned plenty of praise for their performance against Kerry and Madden has kept faith with the same six for Saturday’s encounter. Captain Cillian Rouine will benefit from having another game under his belt and once again lines out at centre half back alongside his brother Brendy Rouine.
Further up the field, a rejuvenated Aaron Griffin has been one of Clare’s standout performers throughout both league and championship and will again be central to the Banner attack. Offaly joint managers Declan Kelly and Mickey Harte will no doubt be focused on curtailing his influence along with the threat posed by full forward Mark McInerney.
Saturday represents new territory for Clare as they begin their first Tailteann Cup campaign. While injuries have repeatedly disrupted Madden’s first season in charge, the Banner showed an admirable boldness and resilience against Kerry and will be hoping to carry that momentum into the national competition.
There is plenty to play for in the new format. The eight winners from Round 1 will progress to Round 2A where they will be drawn against each other, with home advantage going to the first team drawn.
The eight losing teams from Round 1 will enter Round 2B, where they will battle to keep their season alive, again with home venue awarded to the first team drawn.
Best of luck to the lads.
Throw in is at 4:00pm in Zimmer Biomet Páirc Chíosóg.
