The final round of group games in the TUS Clare senior hurling championship promises to provide a dramatic weekend of action.
As it stands, all eight quarter-final spots are yet to be filled, with some teams still not guaranteed their places despite winning their first two games.
Group One provided arguably the game and performance of the weekend as Eire Óg took the scalp of holders Clonlara, with Shane O’Donnell’s goal and a masterclass from Danny Russell helping the Townies to a 1-23 to 1-20 win.
The victory was tinged somewhat by O’Donnell having to leave the field soon after the goal with a hamstring injury which could see him sidelined for an extended spell.
Eire Óg manager Gerry O’Connor says his side worked hard to take control of their own destiny in their final round.
Meanwhile 2022 winners Ballyea dragged themselves back into contention as they ground out a 0-19 to 0-17 win over Clooney-Quin.
The final round of games see Ballyea meet Eire Óg while Clooney-Quin take on Clonlara.
In Group Two, Kilmaley made it two wins from two as they battled past Feakle by 0-22 to 0-21, but despite now sitting on four points, their fate won’t be decided until their final round clash with Cratloe.
For their part, the south-east Clare men accounted for Corofin by 4-23 to 0-19 to give themselves a shot at progression in two weeks time
Cratloe manager John O’Gorman says his players performed when the need was greatest
Group Three provided the championship with the first draw of the year, as Scariff and Broadford shared the spoils after a dramatic contest in Dr Daly Park which leaves both sides still in with a shot at the quarter-finals.
Scariff manager Mark McKenna praised the manner in which his side went out about chasing down an eight point half time deficit
Inagh-Kilnamona got their season back on track thanks to a powerful showing against O’Callaghan’s Mills, raising four green flags in the process.
Group Four is also finely balanced, with Sixmilebrige sitting on top after they made it two wins from two thanks to victory over Crusheen.
Newmarket gave themselves a chance to make the last eight on the final weekend as they battled past St Joseph’s
Manager James Carrig says they now have to build on that in a fortnights time
Meanwhile in the TUS intermediate hurling championship
There were wins in Group One for Clarecastle and Ruan, while in Group Two, it was Sixmilebridge and Tubber picking up the points.
Group Three saw wins for Wolfe Tones and Bodyke, while Whitegate and Parteen-Meelick were the winners in Group Four