Shane McGrath to declare for Clare?

Clare’s preparations for the upcoming National Football League, which begins on Sunday week when they will entertain Waterford, look set to be boosted with the addition of Dublin native Shane McGrath.
A member of the Thomas Davis club in Tallaght, McGrath is son of former Shannon Gaels and Clare star, John, who played for the county throughout the ’70s during which time he won favour with the Railway Cup selectors and helped Munster to win the inter-provincial title in 1977.
McGrath has, it is understood, responded positively to approaches from Clare to declare for the Banner county under the parentage rule, which allows players to declare for stipulated counties of which Clare is one. McGrath’s official application to be allowed play with is currently being processed.
Meanwhile, Clare will continue their preparations for the league when they travel to play Westmeath this Sunday (2pm).
Last Saturday Clare scored an easy 1-13 to 0-4 win over a Wexford selection at Clonmel.
There are a number of injury concerns for Clare ahead of Waterford’s visit on Sunday week. Gordon Kelly, David Tubridy, John Hayes, Graham Kelly and Kevin Hartnett all sat out last week’s game against the Slaneysiders and team boss Micheál McDermott and his selectors are keeping their fingers crossed that they will be available for selection for the league.
There was good news for Clare last week when Niall Browne, who declared for Clare last year as his mother hails from the county, returned from injury and played at midfield against Wexford. Browne is a member of the TwoMilehouse club in Kildare.