McMahon on the mend for Clare

Fears that Clare hurler Diarmuid McMahon had broken his ankle in Sunday's league win over Down have been quashed.

The versatile Kilmaley forward was substituted after barely ten minutes' action in Portaferry, having gone over badly on his ankle.

But X-rays on the injury yesterday showed no break and McMahon is expected to come back into contention for Clare's next Division 1A outing against Wexford on March 4.

Brian O'Connell, the Banner's other injury worry to emerge from the trip north, is suffering from back spasms, which were assessed last night by the county's medical team.

Playing at full-back, O'Connell had to be replaced at half-time in Down after injuring his back in a heavy challenge.

There is better news for Banner boss Tony Considine concerning Anthony Kilmartin. The Newmarket defender's recovery from a broken finger is almost complete - he is due to have the cast on his hand removed next weekend.