Big boost for Clare as duo return to panel for 2025, Sexton set for Dublin club transfer

Keelan Sexton, who works as a solicitor in Dublin, will transfer to northside club Na Fianna.

Wed, 27 Nov, 2024 - 16:47

Maurice Brosnan

Clare manager Peter Keane has been handed a significant boost with Eoin Cleary and Keelan Sexton set to return to the senior panel ahead of the 2025 season.

Last month, former Kerry manager Keane succeeded Mark Fitzgerald in the role. Clare were without several stalwarts including Cleary and Sexton for 2024. In the aftermath of Colm Collins’ departure several squad members stepped away including Cleary, Sexton, Cian O’Dea and Pearce Lillis.

Cleary spent the summer in America playing Gaelic football for Chicago Wolfe Tones where he won a national title. His presence in Croke Park last October representing Munster in the interprovincial series sparked hopes a return was on the cards.

Sexton was a central part of a Kilmurry-Ibrickane side who reached the Clare SFC final this year. However, the forward is set to transfer to Dublin club Na Fianna next season. Sexton works as a solicitor in the capital and will begin full-time office work this summer.

“I really appreciate how my club looked after me and did everything for me. The reality of the situation for the next two years makes it too difficult,” Sexton explained.

“Na Fianna have been great to allow me to train with them and now welcome me into their group.”

Elsewhere, Monaghan forward Conor McManus has said he intends to continue playing inter-county if possible. McManus told Off The Ball’s The Football Pod he would do some pre-season work before making the call.

“I sort of committed to doing a bit of rehab and a bit of strength work over the next five to six weeks, see how that goes,” he said.

“If I suppose it puts me in a position where I feel I can get through another year I will and if it doesn’t, I will probably leave it at that.

“So I suppose I’ll have to make that decision sooner rather than later. I don’t want to drag it on any longer than I need to, but I’ll give it a chance.”