This meant that five clubs would lose their senior status and be relegated down to the Clare Intermediate Football Championship.

2018 saw the relegation of St. Joseph's, Doora-Barefield, Kilfenora, O'Curry's, St. Breckan's and Wolfe Tones down to Intermediate.

As part of the 2016 Football Review Agreement, a pathway was left open for any amalgamations that wished to enter the senior championship.

Two intermediate clubs - Naomh Eoin, Cross & O'Curry's, Doonaha - both from the Loop Head Peninsula, took up this opportunity to compete together.

According to the Clare GAA Master Fixtures Plan 2019, any amalgamations that enter a team are immune from relegation.