Massive blow for Clare as Shane O’Donnell ruled out for season

"We looked at every option with Shane but the medical advice was that surgery was 100 per cent necessary"

Brian Lohan and the Clare hurlers will be without one of their talismans in Shane O'Donnell, as they go for a repeat of their 2024 All-Ireland triumph.

The full-forward - who was named Hurler of the Year for last season - has undergone surgery on his shoulder and is expected to be out until the end of the year.

Clare manager Lohan said:

It’s very unfortunate for Shane himself and the team as well. We looked at every option with Shane but the medical advice was that surgery was 100 per cent necessary, so we wish him well and a full recovery.

Although Clare's league campaign has begun, O'Donnell's absence was not noted, due to the fact that over the last few seasons he has returned at a later stage. Last year he only came back for the league final.

The Éire Óg, Inis man has had serious concussion issues but these late returns to the squad has meant that he has been fresh for his county's championship runs, and has led to three All Star awards in the last three years.

Given the 30-year-old's ability and importance, Clare's All-Ireland's odds will no doubt be slashed.