Blow for Clare as Hurler of the Year Shane O'Donnell ruled out for season

Clare have been dealt a significant blow in their bid to retain their All-Ireland Hurling Championship title after 2024 Hurler of the Year Shane O'Donnell was ruled out for the remainder of this year's campaign due to injury.

The Éire Óg Ennis forward has won back-to-back All-Stars to go with last year's outstanding individual award and was expected to play a key role in the summer.

The 31-year-old has not taken part in the Allianz League this year - as has been his approach in 2023 and 2024 - but underwent surgery three weeks ago on a shoulder injury picked up in last year's All-Ireland final.

It rules him out of both the Munster Hurling Championship round-robin matches as well as the All-Ireland series.