A devastating return of 3-15 from their full-forward line powered Clare to a comprehensive opening victory over newcomers Westmeath in Division 1A of the Allianz Hurling League in front of 3,523 in Cusack Park Ennis on Sunday afternoon.
Having missed the entire 2022 season through injury, Aidan McCarthy returned as Clare's top-scorer with ten points, half of which stemmed from play while the electric Mark Rodgers’ late brace of first half goals allied to Ian Galvin’s third effectively put the result beyond any doubt by the turn of the final quarter.
It was their biggest competitive victory under Brian Lohan and while they won’t be getting carried away by the result as there will be undoubtedly tougher tests to come over the next few weeks, the Banner can still point to 4-22 from play allowed to ten different scorers as encouraging metrics.
National League starting debutantes Jack Kirwan, Adam Hogan and Brandon O’Connell all snatched their opportunity with both hands while Gearoid O’Grady and Keith Smyth also made their first league appearances off the bench.
In contrast however, Westmeath were disappointing as aside from the Doyle twins, Killian (8) and Ciaran (2), they found scores difficult to come by as the visitors could ill afford 14 wides against such razor sharp hosts.
Niall O’Brien 15th minute shot, that was excellently tipped away by goalkeeper Eibhear Quilligan, was Westmeath’s sole goal chance as instead Aidan McCarthy carved out an early cushion before a Rodgers blitz of goals in just six minutes put clear daylight between the sides by the break at 2-10 to 0-7.
Diarmuid Ryan and David Fitzgerald combined to tee up the UL student for the first in the 26th minute but the second was a solo strike that expertly found the right corner of the net to carve out a nine point interval cushion.
With Westmeath failing to take their chances on the restart, they would be duly punished by the home side as thanks in the main to McCarthy (3), Ian Galvin (2) and Davy Conroy (2), Clare put 16 points between the sides before Jack Kirwan set up Galvin for their side’s third goal in the 50th minute at 3-19 to 0-9.
Another 1-07 unanswered final quarter burst culminated in a final goal for substitute Aron Shanagher as Clare eased up to victory, safe in the knowledge that they will receive a much sterner test away to All-Ireland champions Limerick next Saturday while Westmeath must improve at home to Wexford.
Clare: Eibhear Quilligan; Seadna Morey (0-01), Conor Cleary, Adam Hogan; Diarmuid Ryan (0-01), David McInerney, Brandon O'Connell (0-01); Cathal Malone, Jack Kirwan; David Fitzgerald (0-03), Davy Conroy (0-05), Peter Duggan; Aidan McCarthy (0-10, 0-05f), Mark Rodgers (2-02), Ian Galvin (1-03)
Subs: Gearoid O’Grady (0-01) for Rodgers (48), Cian Nolan for Hogan (50), Cian Galvin for Ryan (55), Keith Smyth for Duggan (57), Aron Shanagher (1-00) for Galvin (60)
Westmeath: Noel Conaty; Conor Shaw, Darragh Egerton, Tommy Doyle; Jack Galvin (0-01, 0-01s/l), Kevin Regan, Aaron Craig; Shane McGovern, Shane Clavin; Joseph Boyle (0-01), Niall O’Brien, Robbie Greville (0-01); Eoin McCabe, Killian Doyle (0-08, 0-04f, 0-01’65), Davy Glennon (0-01)
Subs: Eoin Keyes for Clavin (HT), Ciaran Doyle (0-02) for McCabe (46), Mark Cunningham for McGovern (52), Johnny Bermingham for Shaw (52), Jack Gillen for O’Brien (60)
Referee: Paud O’Dwyer (Carlow)
In Division 2A, Offaly did what few do and left Ballycran with a victory as they were 0-20 to 0-18 winners over hosts Down.
The first six points were shared before Eoghan Cahill (2), Oisin Kelly and Killian Sampson put the Faithful County four ahead.
The lead was whittled down to three by the break, 0-10 to 0-07, but Ronan Sheehan's side were reduced to 14 towards the end of the half and 13 moments after the restart.
That should have paved the way for a comprehensive away win, and two more Cahill frees did put them five clear – but Down were not prepared to go out without a fight.
With eight minutes remaining the home side had fought back to be within two points, but another Cahill free and a Paddy Clancy effort sealed the win.
