The Sunshine, smell of freshly cut grass and spectators attending Senior and Intermediate training can only mean one thing - Its Championship week in the Bridge.

The Senior hurlers will put their title on the line this Saturday evening in Cusack Park at 7PM when they face Crusheen. The sides are more than familiar with each other at this stage having met 3 times in 2015 - x2 in championship and x1 in the Clare cup final. This year again sees a double up of the Clare Cup league match so alot is at stake for both sides with the winner safely through to round 3 while the loser is only left with one lifeline. John O Meara is again at the helm and will be without a number of players due to injury but will be confident his younger players who are chomping at the bit can take their chance to make an impression in the chase for Canon Hamilton.

Venue: Cusack Park

Time: Saturday @ 7PM

The Intermediate hurlers under new management for 2016 will face 2015 Junior A champions Clonlara on Sunday in their 1st Round. John Nihill who managed the Bridge to an All Ireland Club Title in 1996 is at the helm this year and will be impressed by their league form to date. Clonlars incidentally beat the Bridge in last years Junior final so a number of players who made the step up will be looking to avenge this result.

Venue: Broadford

Time: Sunday@ 7PM

Gilligan embarks on 21st Campaign

Source: hoganstand.com

Sixmilebridge begin the defence of their Clare SHC title this weekend and for the 21st consecutive year, Niall Gilligan’s name will be on the team sheet.

The All-Ireland SHC winner turns 40 in August but is still an integral part of the side having helped them to a double success last year.

Gilligan will line out against Crusheen at Cusack Park on Saturday evening, a full 21 years after he made his senior debut for the club in 1995.

The former All-Star career tally of 20 goals and 194 points marks him out as Clare's top championship scorer of all-time.

He announced his retirement from inter-county hurling on 5 January 2010.

U14 Shield SMB v Ballyea on Saturday 14th May in Ballyea at 12 noon.
Referee: N Malone.

U14A Championship SMB v Clarecastle on Sunday 15th May at 10.30am.
Referee: G Callaghan.