CLARE had six points to spare over neighbours Galway in a senior hurling challenge to mark the opening of a new pitch at Pairc Uí h-Aonghusa, Clooney-Quin last night.

Kilkenny hurling legend Henry Shefflin will this year bid to join an elite band of just two players at the top of the leader-board for GAA All-Stars after being nominated for his ninth award last night.

THE all-conquering Kilkenny hurling team has received fewer Vodafone All Star nominations than Tipperary, the side they beat three times this season on their way to a historic four All-Ireland titles in-a-row.

CHAMPIONS Waterford IT put their Ulster Bank Fitzgibbon Cup title on the line when they take on Limerick IT in the opening round in Limerick tomorrow in the game of the round.

THE struggle between club and county continues in Antrim. With the county U21 hurlers due to play Kilkenny in the All-Ireland semi-final in Navan on Saturday, several clubs are reluctant to release their players because of county championship matches the following day.