Music, hurling and football

WHEN accepting the Liam MacCarthy Cup in 1995, after Clare had ended an 81-year wait for the All-Ireland senior title, Anthony Daly proclaimed that Clare people loved their traditional music, as well as their hurling.
That passion will be clear for all to see this weekend, as the county supports its hurling and football teams and also find the time to attend the many events in the Fleadh Nua in Ennis.
As the respective management teams finalise their plans for the Munster quarter-finals, there are injury concerns in both camps and a number of players face late fitness tests before a final decision is made.
With Brendan Bugler (suspended), Colm Galvin (in the US) and Conor McGrath (injured) already ruled out, hurling followers are keeping their fingers crossed that Conor Ryan and Cian Dillon will be fit. Dillon has been out of action for the past number of weeks but did play for a period in a practice game at the weekend.
After bouncing back from injury to play a full part in a recent challenge against Galway at Cusack Park, Conor Ryan pulled up in training at the weekend.
There’s better news for the county’s footballers, as Sean Collins, Cathal McInerney and Shane Brennan are all understood to have come through Monday evening’s training session, having been unable to take a full part in training for the previous few weeks due to injury.
Shane McGrath and David Tubridy are, however, out of Saturday’s game because of injury.