Manager Brian Lohan initially stated in February that the Ennis attacker would miss the entire season.

CLARE’S HOPES OF regaining the All-Ireland senior title have been boosted by the news that Hurler of the Year Shane O’Donnell is aiming to play some part in this year’s championship.

Manager Brian Lohan initially stated in February that the Ennis attacker would miss the entire season after surgery on a labrum tear in his right shoulder.

That operation took place in early February and comes with a typical recovery period of around six months.

But speaking this afternoon at the announcement that Bord Gáis Energy is an official sponsor of the 2025 All-Ireland SHC, O’Donnell said he’s currently working off a timeline of being back in four to eight weeks.

The 31-year-old three-in-a-row All-Star said he will have more clarity on the situation by the end of this month following further consultation with physios.

Clare, relegated from Division 1A of the league, will play Cork this Sunday in the Munster SHC and will close their group campaign on 25 May against Limerick, a game that O’Donnell could yet have some involvement in if things go his way.

David Fitzgerald / SPORTSFILE / SPORTSFILE

“I don’t have a very solid answer for that really, I don’t have any dates or anything like that,” said O’Donnell of an exact return date. “It’s coming along well but I’m still a bit away to be honest. So I don’t have a date that I can give you.