Fitzgerald faces injury crisis

Clare have been hit by an injury crisis as they prepare for their first game back in the top flight of the National League this weekend.

As he prepares to face his former side Waterford in Ennis, manager Davy Fitzgerald will be without five players. Four of the team that started the Banner’s last competitive game, last July’s qualifier defeat to Limerick, are all sidelined for the Division 1A opener.

Cian Dillon, Nicky O’Connell, Conor McGrath and Darach Honan are not expected to feature due to a variety of injuries while former Clare captain Brian O’Connell, who had impressed in Clare’s successful Waterford Crystal Trophy campaign, is also out.