National Football League: Clare 2-18 – Limerick – 0-09
The Banner will go into preparations for their Munster Championship opener with winning momentum at their backs following a strong performance against neighbours Limerick in the final round of the National Football League this afternoon in Cusack Park.
A contest that was seemingly redundant in nature from the outset as both had been relegated to division three before a ball was kicked was attacked with vehemence by the Banner men from the throw in.
Clare had waited over 30 minutes to get off the mark last weekend in Derry, however on this occasion an intent Emmet McMahon opened the scoring in as many seconds, Clare’s eagerness was reflected throughout the field in the early stages with Míchael Garry, Cillian Rouine and Jamie Malone particularly leading the charge.
Elsewhere, The Banner enjoyed a strong scoring spread in the opening period with Keelan Sexton, Aaron Griffin, Padraic Collins and Daniel Walsh all finding their range to see Clare leading by 0-11 to 0-03 on the half-time whistle.
James Naughton reignited the Limerick flame on the restart, kicking the next three scores without reply, nevertheless it wasn’t long before Clare rediscovered their groove with Mark McInerney soon raiding for the first goal of the day to put daylight between the sides on 46 minutes.
Clare’s first major was quickly followed by its second as following another Emmet McMahon scoring spree , Kilmihil native Ciarán Downes buried the ball to the back of Aaron O’Sullivan’s net following a flowing team move as Clare would eventually prevail as worthy winners on a full time score of 2-18 to Limerick’s 0-09.
Focus will now swiftly turn to Munster Championship preparations for Colm Collin’s men who will face Cork at Cusack Park in the Quarter-Final on April 9th.