Munster MHC Round Two: Clare 1-17 Tipperary 2-12
A personal tally of 0-14 for John Barry and a late goal for Evan Cleary helped Clare see off the challenge of defending All Ireland champions Tipperary in Zimmer Biomet Pairc Chiosiog.
Barry’s performance with placed balls was exceptional as he routinely punished Premier indiscretions, while also landing some brilliant scores from play.
Tipperary hit Clare with a sucker punch early in the contest as they found the net but Clare’s response was measured and mature, outscoring their visitors by 0-5 to 0-1 to lead 0-6 to 1-2 after 16 minutes.
Tipperary took over in the second quarter of the game and arrested the momentum to lead 1-8 to 0-8 at the break having played with the aid of a strong wind.
A second goal for the Premier arrived after a defensive mix up in the 40th minute to send them 2-9 to 0-10 clear and it looked like they were in control of the contest.
Clare’s work-rate throughout the game was exceptional, but none more so than in the final quarter as they hunted in packs to turn over possession and crucially turned that dominance into scores on the board.
It would still take a big moment to fully swing the tie, and it arrived in the 54th minute as an intuitive pass from sub Liam Murphy teed up Cleary on the 21m line, and he finished to the net to leave the game level at 1-14 to 2-11.
Barry’s unerring accuracy from frees continued, and Clare secured a merited opening win, with Cork coming to Dr Daly Park in Tulla next weekend.
