Shane O'Donnell plans to continue playing with Clare in 2026

Shane O'Donnell says it is his plan to continue hurling with Clare in 2026, should he stay clear of injuries.

After helping Clare win the All-Ireland in 2024, it was a difficult season for O'Donnell, as Clare were unable to get out of Munster.

The Clare forward missed the beginning of the season due to a shoulder injury, but returned ahead of schedule to face Tipperary.

It looked like 2025 could have been the last season for some of Clare's All-Ireland heroes, including O'Donnell.

However, speaking to Breakingnews, should be is fit and wanted by manager Brian Lohan, he will be back for Banner County in 2026.

"It's down to it physically, whether I can get my body right. If Brian will have me back, the intention is to play next year.

"It really is a question of whether I'm able to clear quite a number of injuries that have accumulated this year.

"I think chasing the shoulder, I'd probably have to try it again, but it was not the right decision, really. I ended up coming back into the championship undercooked a small bit on everything else, even though my shoulder technically passed the test to get back.

"Quite a challenging year, in terms of staying fit, keeping fit for the matches I had. At the same time, I don't think I'd be able to avoid trying to chase getting back for that Tipp game. That's just the situation.

"It's gonna be a long off-season when it comes to try and get things right. If I can get them right, and they react well to the rehab, then I intend to play next year."

The 2024 Hurler of the Year was determined not to end his time with Clare in disappointment, a feeling that was shared with several of the Clare panel ahead of their last game in the championship against Limerick.

“Coming out of 2024, there was a