Major blow for Clare as hurler of the year Shane O'Donnell to miss rest of 2025 season

BIG LOSS: Clare’s Shane O'Donnell. Pic: Ryan Byrne/Inpho

Reigning hurler of the year Shane O’Donnell will miss the rest of the 2025 season after undergoing shoulder surgery.

Clare manager Brian Lohan confirmed to the Irish Times that the Éire Óg, Ennis man will be unavailable in their defence of the All-Ireland SHC title.

In keeping with his late starts these past couple of seasons, O’Donnell (30) had yet to feature for The Banner this year but had been expected back towards the end of the league.

However, two-time All-Star O’Donnell will not be seen in the yellow and blue this season. “It’s very unfortunate for Shane himself and the team as well,” said manager Brian Lohan. “We looked at every option with Shane but the medical advice was that surgery was 100% necessary, so we wish him well and a full recovery.” 

O’Donnell marked his seasonal debut in last year’s Division 1 final win over Kilkenny before starring in Clare’s Munster SHC campaign, which saw them reach a third consecutive final against Limerick.

Days prior to impressing in last year’s All-Ireland final win over Cork, O’Donnell tore his hamstring but managed to line out by icing it hourly over two days and underdoing intense physio.

Clare face Limerick in TUS Gaelic Grounds on Sunday where they badly need a win after losing their opening three Division 1A games against Kilkenny, Galway and Wexford.