Clare have drawn with Limerick in Division 1A of the National Hurling League.
Clare got off to a good start with an early point from Tony Kelly in the first minute. Both sides had to navigate poor conditions in Cusack Park with snow falling but Clare had the benefit of the breeze in the first half. 8 minutes in saw Limerick show their quality with a a goal from Gearoid Hegarty who fired it past Donal Touhy from just inside the 21. Limerick’s free taker Aaron Gillane was also in fine form for the Shannonsiders which saw them nudging ahead at the quarter-mark.Peter Duggan kept the banner in touch to bring the sides level with a free with 25 minutes gone. Limerick made a push to take the lead in the period before half-time with Cian Lynch laying on Peter Casey for their third successive score.
The half time whistle saw Clare trailing by 4 points Clare 0-6 Limerick’s 1-7.
The banner got off to storming start in the first minute of the second half with a Shane Golden run through the Limerick defence resulting in a goal. Moments later Gary Cooney levelled the game with a fine point from play.8 minutes into the second half and a David Fitzgerald challenge on Aaron Gillane saw Limerick awarded a penalty. A brilliant save from Donal Tuohy saw Gillane’s penalty batted out but Peter Casey picked up and ensured that Limerick didn’t come away empty-handed, landing over the point.
Peter Duggan kept Clare in sight of Limerick and got the banner within one point of the All Ireland champions with a free at the 25 minute mark. Duggan proved Clare’s key man again just three minutes later with a goal to put Clare two points in front. Clare maintained their lead but Aaron Gillane brought Limerick back to within 1 point with 5 minutes of extra time to play.
A final free from Aaron Gillane brought the contest to a draw.
Final score Clare 2-11 Limerick 1-14
Elswhere in Division 1, Cork’s clash against Tipperary in Division 1A was called off due to surface water on the Pairc Ui Rinn pitch.
While the game between Wexford and Kilkenny was also postponed for the same reasons at Innovate Wexford Park
The Division 1B top-of-the-table clash between Waterford and Galway at Walsh Park was also called off due to the weather.