Clare footballers face club challenges

THE Clare senior footballers have a number of challenge games lined up in the coming weeks, as they prepare for their first Division 3 National League outing at home to Wexford on February 1.

They were due to play Tralee IT on Tuesday night but that game was postponed. Clare are due to play Galway and Connacht club champions, Corofin, as well as Kerry and Munster club champions, Austin Stacks over the next few weeks. Other games in the pipeline include UL, Dublin and Leinster champions St Vincent’s. All three club teams are preparing for All-Ireland club semi-finals in mid-February.

For the second successive year, Clare have opted not to play in the McGrath Cup.

On the injury front, Enda Coughlan is still recuperating following a cruciate knee injury, while Shane McGrath’s knee is also receiving treatment.

Clare’s opening league game against Wexford is due to be played in Cusack Park, although the pitch is currently undergoing drainage work. Clare played their first home league game of 2014 (against Leitrim) in Miltown, which ended in a draw, while their first league game of 2013 was also played at the same venue. That was Mick O’Dwyer’s first league game in charge and Clare were beaten by Waterford.