DAVY FITZGERALD, who looks set to be ratified as Clare hurling boss tomorrow night, returned to his roots on Saturday with an impressive display for Sixmilebridge in their SHC semi-final win at Cusack Park, Ennis.

TIPPERARY are nursing a number of injury concerns ahead of the Munster SHC quarter-final showdown with Cork on Sunday week following a low key challenge outing against Clare in Thurles last night.

CHAMPIONS Clare scored a notable early season victory with a hard-fought two-point win over Tipperary in the Waterford Crystal Trophy under lights in Borrisoleigh last night.

Brian O'Connell has retained the captaincy of the Clare senior hurlers for 2010 ahead of the Banner County's opening games of the new year against Waterford IT at Meelick this Sunday.

PATRICK CRONIN is set to miss Cork’s entire National Hurling League campaign after suffering a serious knee injury. Cronin will be out of action for a minimum period of three months but it is hoped he may be able to make a return before Cork’s Munster SHC opener against Tipperary in Páirc Ui Chaoimh on May 31.