A late burst of 1-3 without reply, including an injury time Cathal O’Neill goal, saw Limerick edge out Clare by the minimum in this Munster U-20 hurling championship tie.
It was rough justice on a Clare side who were the dominant force throughout, recovering from the concession of an early O’Neill goal to lead 0-12 to 1-2 at the half-time break.
Barely 15 seconds had elapsed when Colin Coughlan opened the scoring, and a minute later saw O’Neill power through the Clare defence before batting home from close range.
Clare grew into the game and with the aid of a strong wind, outscored their hosts 0-12 to 0-1 for the remainder of the half, with six different scorers on the board.
The second half began in a positive fashion as Keith Smyth fired over from close range, but a second Limerick goal was sandwiched between two more white flags to leave just three points between the sides.
Clare were resolute in defence throughout with the Banner’s man of the match Ian McNamara, Conor Leen and Adam Hogan all standing firm at crucial stages. Team captain Conner Hegarty and senior panellist Cian Galvin got the next two scores of the game to leave Clare 0-15 to 2-4 ahead with the game entering the closing ten minutes.
Limerick came with a powerful late run, as Cian Broderick was forced into pulling off an outstanding save from the raiding O’Neill. Shane Punch took one from the team as his second yellow card set up a chance for O’Neill from a 25 metre free, and his powerful drive rattled the net to tie up the game. The winner arrived shortly after from the left wing, as Limerick ran out 3-7 to 0-15 victors.
Missed chances will be a source of regret for Terence Fahy’s side, who will take huge heart from their display into next Wednesday evening’s must win tie against Cork in Sixmilebridge.