Source: The Clare Herald

Eight teams will next month begin the race for the Clare U21 Hurling Championship.

A decision was made on Monday to postpone the draw for the championship until Thursday following the request from clubs to be dropped down to the B grade. Clarecastle and St Josephs Doora/Barefield successfully appealed their case, they along with Ballyea will no longer compete in the A division, leaving eight teams in the top grade and ensuring four quarter-final ties.

Reigning champions Inagh/Kilnamona face Wolfe Tones, both sides are backboned by Clare senior panellists with David Fitzgerald and Jason McCarthy lining out Inamona while Aron Shanagher and Ben O’Gorman will be key men for the Shannon side. Kilmaley who were the minor champions three years ago will come up against a strong Feakle/Killanena outfit. Rivals Sixmilebridge and Newmarket-on-Fergus go toe to toe for a place in the last four while Clonlara and Éire Óg complete the lineup. 

No date has yet been confirmed for these fixtures. It was originally planned to play the preliminary round on the 11th of March and the quarter-finals one week later, however with only eight teams now in the competition this may be subject to change.

U21 A Quarter-Final Draw:
Feakle/Killanena vs Kilmaley
Clonlara vs Éire Óg
Newmarket-on-Fergus vs Sixmilebridge
Wolfe Tones vs Inagh/Kilnamona

U21 B Preliminary Round:
Crusheen/Tubber v Cratloe
Clarecatle v Broadford
Scariff/Ogonnelloe v Smith O’Briens

Quarter Finals:
St Josephs Doora/Barefield vs Scariff/Ogonnelloe or Smith O’Briens
Ballyea vs O’Callaghans Mills
Clooney/Quin v Clarecastle or Broadford
Tulla vs Crusheen/Tubber or Cratloe