The Clare Champion Clare news, sport, entertainment and local notes
JUST when it seems that the worst was over for Clare’s injury-ravaged squad, news that Mark Rodgers will be sidelined for the foreseeable future with a knee injury is another massive blow to the solar plexus, writes Eoin Brennan.
After all, from the nadir of not even being able to bring a full 26 man squad to Páirc Uí Chaoimh to the welcome sight of getting John Conlon, David Fitzgerald and even Tony Kelly back on the field in the intervening period, things seemed to be finally coming together at an opportune time for Brian Lohan and Co.
As Clare’s top-scorer so far, Rodgers was the form player of 2022 and was also instrumental in UL’s run to the Fitzgibbon Cup title until suffering a knee injury against Carlow IT in the semi-final last Thursday evening.
As the Scariff star anxiously awaits results on a knee scan though, the show must go on, with a first victory now a prerequisite. With any National League hopes now evaporated following opening defeats to Cork and Wexford, Clare need to stave off any relegation danger on Sunday.
Offaly are in the same boat albeit after two more sobering losing margins against Galway (17 points) and Cork (19 points). Consequently, Michael Fennelly’s hopes of bolstering his side ahead of the Joe McDonagh have taken a bit of a confidence dent but with home advantage, Offaly will view this as their best opportunity to take a scalp.
The thing is that due to their own current plight, there certainly won’t be any complacency in the visiting dressing room or in the stand either for that matter as Clare’s traveling support will be required more than ever.
In addition, with the squad hopefully being fleshed out with every passing week, inevitably competition for places should see a raising of standards and performances too.
The Banner’s overly-worked treatment table is more of a leveller than normal but it’s still their game to lose. Therefore if they can rediscover more of a clinical edge, Clare should have too much experience and firepower for their hosts coming down the final straight.
National Hurling League
Division 1 Round 3
Offaly v Clare
at BNM O’Connor Park,
Tullamore,
Sunday 2pm
(Kevin Jordan, Tipperary)
