Clare move on to the third round of the All Ireland Football Championship qualifiers after beating Offaly this afternoon.
The Banner made the trip to Tullamore’s O’Connor Park to face Paul Rouse’s side in Round 2, hoping to recover from a loss to Kerry in the first round.
Clare struggled to get to grips with Offaly’s defenders for the opening part of the game while Ruairi McNamee sent the home side into the lead with a third minute goal.
A 22nd Jamie Malone goal broke a mutual ten minute scoring drought and that score was followed up by three quick fire Eoin Cleary points to turn things in Clare’s favour.
Malone got through for goal twice more – but the first hit the crossbar and the second struck the post – while Cleary slipped in front of goals to deny himself a chance of hitting the net.
On the cusp of half time, Offaly were awarded a penalty and goal keeper Alan Mulhall buried the ball to leave the sides tied at half time.
The second half was equally tight and although Clare were the stronger side, Offaly refused to let them out of a two point lead.
Kevin Hartnett’s 75th minute point heralded the final whistle and Clare took victory on a 1-19 to 2-14 scoreline.
The draw for Round Three will be made tomorrow morning, and Clare’s potential opponents in the next round are Mayo, Tyrone, Monaghan, Cavan, Armagh, Kildare and Leitrim.