Kilmaley’s bid for a first Clare senior hurling title since 2004 gets underway on Saturday when they meet neighbours Inagh-Kilnamona in the opening round of this year’s championship.
The mid-Clare side are part of one of the most competitive groups of this years series with games against O’Callaghan’s Mills, Clonlara and Whitegate also to come over the next few weeks.
All Ireland winning duo Conor Clancy and Colin Lynch have teamed up in this year’s management, but they will be without the promising Cathal Darcy through injury.
Clancy says while it is a strong group to qualify from, they are ready for the challenge that lies ahead.
Clare FM will have live commentary of that game on Saturday from 7pm in association with Ennis Home Furniture, Quin Road Business Park Ennis.
Elsewhere Ballyea open their campaign against 2019 intermediate champions Broadford.
After leading his native club to the 2016 Munster title, Robbie Hogan is back in charge at Ballyea and is joined in his backroom team by St Flannan’s Harty Cup winning manager Kevin O’Grady.
Hogan feels his side will face a stiff test against the East Clare men.
