Munster Hurling Championship Round Robin: Clare 1-24 – Limerick 2-20
The Clare Senior hurlers have capped off a hat-trick of historic sporting victories across codes today for the Banner county after defeating Limerick on away soil in championship hurling for the first time in 122 years.
Clare’s fighting spirit was epitomised from the off at the TUS Gaelic Grounds , with Eibhear Quilligan being called into action almost immediately to produce a point-blank diving save from Seamus Flannagan, which would ultimately be the catalyst for Clare to hit the next three points without reply with Tony Kelly & David Fitzgerald splitting the posts.
The contest was six minutes old before Tom Morrisey opened the Treaty’s account, however, there was no shortage of Limerick scores from this juncture, and on 29 minutes the sliotar fell to the feet of Seamus Flannagan in the Clare square who had the simplest of finishes, albeit in dubious circumstances to put the All-Ireland champions in front for the first time.
Limerick held their advantage until the halftime whistle to take the minimum lead into the dressing rooms at 1-10 to 0-12.
Clare came out of the blocks with newfound ferocity on the restart and contributions from Shane O’Donnell followed by a Peter Duggan major saw The Banner restore a four-point advantage.
The rapid fire exchange of scores continued between the sides and the reigning provincial and All-Ireland champions had matters leveled at 1-20 apiece with just five minutes remaining.
In a spell of sheer perseverance Tony Kelly, Shane O’Donnell & a brace from Aaron Shanagher, sent the Banner four clear once again and despite Seamus Flannagan threatening to derail Clare’s celebrations with a 72nd-minute goal, the relentless defensive efforts spearheaded by John Conlon, Ryan Taylor, Adam Hogan & David McInerney saw Clare hold on by the minimum for a famous victory in the Gaelic Grounds on a full-time score of 1-24 to 2-20.
Brian Lohan’s charges will now have a fortnight to recover before traveling to Semple Stadium to face Waterford in the third round on Saturday, May 13th.
