Eoin Brennan looks ahead at the Clare junior hurling championship which gets underway today

With Ogonnelloe showing them the way, the big question is can Banner and Ennistymon follow suit in becoming only the fifth flagship side to win the Junior A Hurling Championship title since the turn of the millennium.

The Banner will certainly be ranked as favourites, having welcomed back county senior Shane Meehan from injury for 2022.

Even any early banana skins can be recovered from as the 12 competing teams are only reduced to eight by the quarter-final stage.

Just as well as the Ennis side are embroiled in a difficult group involving last year’s semi-finalists Clooney-Quin, 2019 and ’20 finalists Kilmaley and Cratloe’s second string that have just come down from intermediate level.

2021 was also noteworthy for Crusheen’s progress to the final while St Joseph’s Doora/Barefield were also back in the mix by reaching the last four stage.

It will also be interesting to see what Ballyea (Division 4 League champions), Clarecastle (relegated from intermediate), Junior B champions Scariff and the aforementioned North Clare side Ennistymon have in their locker for an intriguing Junior A Championship race.

In a commendable attempt to ensure that all teams are competitive, an extra adult championship is introduced for 2022, with the Premier Junior competition ensuring a historic sixth tier, catering for 79 teams from across the county.