WITH THE ALL-Ireland senior hurling championship wrapped up for 2016 after yesterday’s action in Croke Park, there’ll be a sharper focus placed on the club action in the coming weeks and months.

Sixmilebridge's reign as Clare senior hurling champions is over. Gareth Williams / INPHO Gareth Williams / INPHO / INPHO

And there’s going to be new senior hurling champions crowned in Clare this year after the weekend’s games in the Banner county.

Sixmilebridge, champions last year and also in 2013, lost out in their playoff tie to Wolfe Tones, who graduated from the intermediate grade last year, by 2-13 to 0-18. Clare seniors Aron Shanagher and Aaron Cunningham both struck goals for Wolfe Tones.

Clare hurler Aaron Cunningham Lorraine OÕSullivan / INPHO Lorraine OÕSullivan / INPHO / INPHO

Victory saw Wolfe Tones book a quarter-final place along with Tulla, Cratloe and Ballyea, who also triumphed over the weekend.

Conor McGrath hit two goals to help Cratloe defeat Clarecastle, 3-18 to 2-15 while Tony Kelly landed an injury-time free as Ballyea saw off Clooney-Quin by 0-18 to 3-8. Tulla overcame O’Callaghan Mills to secure a 3-16 to 1-10 win.

The draw will take place for the quarter-finals tonight with Clonlara, Crusheen, Éire Óg and Feakle having already booked berths in that draw.

Clare hurler Tony Kelly Tommy Dickson / INPHO Tommy Dickson / INPHO / INPHO

Clare SHC quarter-finalists

Pot 1

• Clonlara
• Crusheen
• Éire Óg
• Feakle

Pot 1

• Wolfe Tones
• Cratloe
• Tulla
• Ballyea

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