AHL Division 1B: Clare 3-35 Down 0-15A first clash in 15 years wasn’t a classic reunion as Clare cantered to the biggest victory of Division 1B so far against newcomers Down in Zimmer Biomet Páirc Chíosóg, Ennis. Indeed, the fact that two divisions separated the sides 12 months ago was a more accurate reflection of the 29-point chasm as the 2024 All-Ireland champions moved swiftly through the gears to brush aside the Ulster side. In addition, the Banner welcomed back two-time All-Star John Conlon for the first time in 2026 following a freak finger injury while Jack Kirwan, Dylan McMahon and Colm O’Meara gained further senior experience. Between them, Dunford (5), Stritch (3) and O’Farrell (2) combined for ten points amidst 12 different scorers while on the flip side, the ever-impressive Pearse Óg McCrickard was Down’s talisman with seven points. The visitors did start brightly, with McCrickard scoring twice as the sides were level three times in the opening nine minutes at 0-4 to 0-4.

Source: Irish Examiner February 08, 2026 19:10 UTC