DOWN ON THE UP AFTER BIG WIN IN ENNIS

FROM THE moment that the groupings for the All-Ireland series in the race for the Sam Maguire were confirmed, supporters of Down and Clare saw their first round meeting as a key game in the race to qualify from the pool.

- BY SEAMUS HAYES

With home advantage there were high hopes amongst Banner fans that their side would make a winning start but their hopes of victory were well and truly crushed at Zimmer Biomet Pairc Chiosog in Ennis yesterday.

The outcome of this one was clear long before the final whistle as the Mourne dominated throughout the field.

Clare struggled with the movement and pace of the visitors from the off.