Minogue aiming for successful title defence to boost bruised Banner

CHAMPIONS Clare begin the first defence of their Bord Gáis Energy All-Ireland U21HC crown in tonight’s Munster semi-final against Limerick at the Gaelic Grounds and manager John Minogue is hoping his charges can lift hurling in the county after the senior side’s disappointing All-Ireland championship exit last Saturday.

“It was disappointing for the lads we had involved in that game, but at least we have a clean bill of health. There’s a couple of bruises, but nothing too serious. Our preparation hasn’t gone too bad even though our lads went training away with the seniors. We have five or six of last year’s team, and a few of the subs as well, so we’re hoping that experience will help us now.”

Limerick boss Leo O’Connor has included six of the team that featured against Offaly in last weekend’s All-Ireland SHC qualifier in his U21 starting side. In defence Cian Hayes is at left corner-back with Nicky Quaid outside him at left half-back, while Thomas O’Brien and Paul Browne start at midfield.