Shane O'Donnell admits his Banner days may be coming to an end

Shane O'Donnell may be enjoying a stellar start to the Munster SHC, but Clare fans should brace themselves for the possibility they won't see him again beyond this summer.

While the 29-year-old is currently at the peak of his powers, he is appreciating his hurling as he contemplates putting the game on hold to pursue his professional career abroad.

"I kind of mentioned last year that I am taking it a year at a time, and that’s definitely how I am thinking of it at the moment," O'Donnell told RTÉ Sport at a Darkness into Light media event on Thursday.

"I won’t rule out playing next year but I wouldn’t be absolutely certain I would either.

"I want to work abroad and move abroad, and take that opportunity while I still have it, and kind of strike while the iron is hot in some sense from my work perspective.

"It’s a challenging decision to make obviously and it’s not one that I would make lightly, but I am basically taking it one year at a time."

O’Donnell is no stranger to the USA, as he spent six months studying at Harvard University via a scholarship programme between 2018 and 2019. The uncertainty of his future with Clare is adding to his enjoyment of the hurling championship, as he savours every moment.

"Because it is coming towards the end of my career, whether that be this year or next year whenever it is, I find myself taking in the occasions a small bit more and kind of enjoying the end-to-end process of a championship day rather than (having) as much nerves," he said.

"And then you play the game and you really just reflect on it after.

"The first couple games this year have been enjoyable despite the result on the first day."

Arguably the hurler of the championship so far, despite only playing just two and a half competitive