CLARE 1
NORTH TIPP 0
Clare began their Oscar Traynor campaign with a gutsy 1-0 win over North Tipp at Frank Healy Park.
Jorge Inacio Lopes lit up a dominant opening from Clare, firing home after just ten minutes when his 30-yard effort took a deflection and dipped into the top corner.
Jack Ryan went close to doubling the lead before the half-hour, while at the other end Simon Kilker produced a superb save to deny North Tipp’s only opening of the first half.
The game turned just before the break when Clare were reduced to ten men, Jack Ryan shown a straight red.
North Tipp – playing their first Oscar Traynor game in 22 years – came out strong after the break and Aidan White fired a glorious chance over.
Clare responded though. Cathal Cullinan’s header from a Scott Kirkland free-kick was well saved, and moments later Darragh Leahy was inches away from making it 2-0 after latching onto a ball over the top from Kirkland.
The visitors should have levelled in the 82nd minute, but substitute James Deegan somehow blazed wide.
Ten-man Clare held firm for a huge three points.
