Clare without captain for League opener
Clare will open their NHL Division 1A campaign against Down on Sunday (Cusack Park, throw-in 1.30pm) without team captain Seanie McMahon.
Early season injuries have sidelined McMahon, who was recently named at centre back on the 'Best Clare Team of the Last 25 Years', corner back Ger O'Grady and forward Niall Gilligan for the Ennis opener.
Notably, Under-21 defender Pat Donnellan of the O'Callaghan Mills club will make his senior debut at right half-back against Down.
Banner boss Anthony Daly has made five changes to the side that lost 0-13 to 1-14 to Limerick in the Waterford Crystal Cup last month.
2005 All-Star Davy Fitzgerald returns in goals, Donnellan and Clarecastle's Conor Plunkett take the wing back roles, while Brian O'Connell and Paddy Vaughan man the midfield.
O'Connell's place at left half-forward goes to Alan Markham, with Brian and Colin Lynch dropping to the bench, having started together at midfield against Limerick.
The fifth change in personnel sees Tulla marksman Andrew Quinn come into the full-forward line, with Fergal Lynch back amongst the substitutes.
CLARE (NHL v Down): D Fitzgerald; T Holland, B Lohan, C Harrison; P Donnellan, C Forde, C Plunkett; B O'Connell, P Vaughan; D McMahon, T Carmody, A Markham; B Nugent, T Griffin, A Quinn.
