Clare take on Waterford in the national league tomorrow knowing that if they are to have any hope of claiming promotion a victory is vital.
John Owens side dropped only two points in their successful promotion season two years ago-and no Clare fan will need reminding of how close Clare came to pipping the Deise
Micheal Mc Dermott’s side were unlucky last season but discipline will have to improve if Clare are to have any chance of even competing with Limerick, Fermanagh and Waterford for the top two slots.
Arguably the first three games of the year are the toughest but if Clare manage at least two wins from those three it could set them up for a major tilt at promotion.
The master fixtures plan agreed last week will be of benefit as there is no clubs games to distract the players until the middle of March.
Home advantage is enormous in the league-home support could also prove important if Clare are to get promoted. Down came to Ennis last year and outmuscled the home support comfortably.
This embarrassing situation for all Clare Gaa fans cannot be repeated and it will be interesting to see how the Gaa market their games up to the summer with Euro 2012 looming
So all and all a very interesting opener awaits Clare-a win would raise spirits but a loss could mean the season is still born.
Clare fm will have live coverage from 2-30pm at 96.4fm and clare.modus.ie
