National Hurling League Division 1 Round 5
Galway v Clare at Pearse Stadium Salthill, Sunday 1.45pm (James Owens, Wexford)

It’s not only Brian Lohan’s first competitive clash with Galway but also Clare’s first meeting since that epic 2018 All-Ireland Semi-Final Championship series. That thrilling two match wrestle for supremacy still inevitably holds plenty of regret for Clare who had opportunities to win on both days but ultimately failed to do so in Croke Park or Semple Stadium.
Four years on and Galway probably stand their best chance in the country of finally toppling back-to-back All-Ireland champions Limerick who made their breakthrough in that subsequent 2018 decider to dethrone the Tribesmen.
The same goes for Clare who despite a veritable ward full of injuries, have finally warmed up to their task in the last two outings against Offaly and Limerick and will look to finish the National League on a high. Ironically, while there’s nothing technically to play for as Cork and Wexford have eased through to the Division 1 Semi-Finals, following a blistering start with wins over Offaly and Limerick, Galway require a result just as much to get back to winning ways.

On the injury front, Aron Shanagher and Ian Galvin are expected to be back in contention for Sunday’s final outing following a return from injury, a scenario that will certainly intensify the competition for places up front ahead of the Munster Championship as both were starters in 2021.
It’s worth noting though that it’s nine years since Clare last beat Galway in either league or championship, with that 2013 double offset by five winless clashes ever since. It will be difficult to arrest that trend too as any wind factor is trebled in Salthill while it’s also a first rematch with referee James Owens since that controversial penalty against Clare in last year’s Munster Semi-Final against Tipperary.