Littlewoods National Camogie League
Clare 0-10 Offaly 1-5
Clare picked up their first victory of 2019 after coming from behind in the closing stages to beat Offaly in Whitegate.
Ger O’Connell’s side were helped considerably by a strong start but still needed three late scores to get over the line.
Eimear Kelly, Bridin Dinan and Susan Fahy raised the white flags as the Banner came from behind after Michaela Morkan’s 39th minute goal handed the initiative to the Faithful County.
Clare built an early three-point advantage with Dinan and O’Keeffe on target but concerns were raised when Kelly went off injured.
The home team led 0-5 to 0-3 at half-time in wet conditions as Dinan brought her tally to three on her league debut and Fahy also contributed.
Morkan and Mairead Teehan pointed for Offaly leaving them two in arrears before Dinan added another score upon the restart.
The goal brought the visitors level before Dinan replied but two Offaly white flags gave them the lead with nine minutes left.
But Clare found another gear when need. Kelly had return to action and she levelled before Dinan and Fahy gave the Banner a priceless two-point victory.
It puts Clare in joint second with Limerick and that will be their next opponents.
They meet in the Gaelic Grounds next Saturday as the curtain raiser to the Limerick verses Tipperary National League game. The winners will be favourites to advance to the knock out stages.
Scorers – Clare: Bridin Dinan 0-6, Susan Fahy 0-2, Andrea O’Keeffe 0-1, Eimear Kelly 0-1.
Other Results
Kilkenny 1-15 Dublin 0-6
Galway 1-14 Tipperary 1-6