Clare star clears up speculation over absence from Tipperary game

He could have made a difference.

The Banner ended up losing the the Premier County by 4-18 to 2-21 in Ennis, leaving them on the brink of elimination from the championship.

McCarthy scored 1-7 in their draw with Cork, but was scoreless when taken off after 47 minutes in their loss to Waterford.

On the same day as the loss to Tipp, McCarthy lined out for  his club, Inagh-Kilnamona, in a league win against St Joseph’s Doora/Barefield, leading to speculation that he had walked out on the panel.

However, he denied this on X, saying: "Just to clarify and confirm, I did not walk off the clare Senior Hurling panel. I was willing, ready and able to line out for my county against Tipperary on Saturday evening if selected."

After the loss, Clare manager Brian Lohan said: “It’s been tough because of injuries more than anything else. And we’re asking a lot of guys to go out there and tough it out against really good quality opposition.

“We just came up a little bit short, but it was only a little bit. I wouldn’t be that downbeat about it.

“We’re still delighted with our crew. They showed a great bit of spirit and endeavour again.

"Four goals conceded is way too much in this game.

“You’re completely dependent on other results so you could be out of the Championship and the All-Ireland series now.

“We’ll just see how other results go and have to just take our beating.”