Photo - Clare's Gearoid Madden in action vs. Waterford courtesy of Ruth Griffin; Clare Echo 

Clare’s minor hurlers return to championship action on Saturday afternoon when they take on Dublin in the All-Ireland Minor Hurling Championship Preliminary Quarter-Final at FBD Semple Stadium.

Ger O’Connell’s side secured their place in the knockout stages by virtue of a head-to-head advantage over Waterford, following an impressive victory over the Déise in Sixmilebridge earlier in the campaign. While there will be disappointment at home and away defeats to Limerick and Cork respectively — games in which Clare were physically overpowered around the middle third but there were also plenty of encouraging signs throughout the Munster series.

Chief among those was the opening round performance against eventual Munster champions Tipperary at Saturday's venue, a contest that ebbed and flowed throughout before the Premier County eventually edged ahead. Clare’s ambitions suffered a significant setback that evening too with joint-captain Ian O’Brien sustaining a broken collarbone.

Nevertheless, there has been clear development within the squad as the championship has progressed. Broadford’s James O’Donnell and St. Joseph Doora-Barefield’s Ben Talty have carried a considerable attacking threat, Isaac Hassett has impressed with his workrate and presence at midfield, while Colm Daly has shown moments of real quality at centre-back.

Dublin arrive in Thurles after a very competitive Leinster campaign of their own. A surprise defeat to Phase One victors Westmeath proved costly in the middle of the group stages, but the Dubs also recorded a strong three point win over Wexford, earned a draw with eventual champions Galway and pushed Kilkenny all the way before falling to a one-point semi-final defeat.

They will travel to Thurles believing this is a genuine opportunity to advance, but the Tipp venue has proven a happy hunting ground for Clare teams in recent seasons and the Banner boys will feel they have learned plenty to build upon from their provincial campaign.

With a place in the All-Ireland Quarter-Final at stake, a big performance will be required from this Clare side.

Throw-in at FBD Semple Stadium on Saturday is at 1:00pm and tickets are available online at this link.

Best of luck to Ger O’Connell, his management team and all the players.