Hickey to lead Clare attack

By Seamus Hayes

A regular defender throughout last season’s successful division 4 campaign, Shane Hickey has been named to lead the attack for the Clare senior footballers as they begin life in division 3 of the Allianz league when they entertain Wexford at Hennessy Park in Miltown on Sunday.

Podge Collins, who led the attack last season, is ruled out due to a hamstring injury suffered in last Sunday’s challenge game with Kerry. The Cratloe dual player is one of a number of players not available this week because of injury, including, Martin ‘Oige’ Murphy and Enda Coughlan.

A final decision on Cathal McInerney’s fitness has yet to be made. If he passes a fitness test he will be included in the squad for this eagerly awaited tie,

Apart from the injured Collins, the starting line up is along expected lines with an experienced central defensive unit of Joe Hayes (goalkeeper), Kevin Hartnett (full back) and Gordon Kelly (centre back).

Team captain Gary Brennan will again lead the team from midfield where he is partnered by Cathal O’Connor.

Patrick Burke will make his competitive debut for the home county of his father Pat. The Dubliner has been very impressive in recent challenge games with the county.

The team named for duty is;

Joe Hayes (Lissycasey); Dean Ryan (Eire Og), Kevin Hartnett (Meelick) Martin McMahon (Kilmurry-Ibrickane); Jamie Malone (Corofin), Gordon Kelly (Miltown St. Josephs), Ciaran Russell (Eire Og); Gary Brennan (Clondegad) Capt, Cathal O’Connor (Coolmeen); Sean Collins (Cratloe), Shane Hickey (Kilmurry-Ibrickane) Shane McGrath (Thomas Davis); David Tubridy(Doonbeg), Shane Brennan (Clondegad) Patrick Burke (Kilmacud Crokes).