Defiant Clare seniors keeping hope alive in the county

Within the space of a week the minors and U20s crashed in championship — the former to a record 40-point defeat to Cork and the latter by 13 to Limerick.

Clare goalkeeper Eibhear Quilligan celebrates his side's first goal, scored by team-mate Cathal Malone, during the qualifier win over Wexford. Picture: Piaras Ó Mídheach/Sportsfile

If it’s true that every cloud has a silver lining, then the belligerence shown by the Clare senior hurlers in extending their summer towards the business end of the championship couldn’t be coming at a better time.

Elsewhere, things are in a state of chassis: The spat between clubs and the county board over structures and finances that began before a ball was pucked this year still bubbles away under the surface, while on the field it’s been much worse.