Clare without captain for League opener

Clare will open their NHL Division 1A campaign against Down on Sunday (Cusack Park, throw-in 1.30pm) without team captain Seanie McMahon.

Early season injuries have sidelined McMahon, who was recently named at centre back on the 'Best Clare Team of the Last 25 Years', corner back Ger O'Grady and forward Niall Gilligan for the Ennis opener.