Munster Senior Hurling League – Sunday, 6th January 2019
Clare 2-20 Waterford 3-16
Clare are into the Munster Senior Hurling League Final after they weathered a whirlwind Waterford finish to take a one-point victory in Fraher Field.
The Banner will meet Tipperary next Sunday after goals from Tony Kelly and Colin Guilfoyle gave them a cushion before the hosts launched a late revival.
Clare were already 0-7 to 0-0 clear after 12 minutes with Diarmuid Ryan hitting three scores while Niall Deasy, Guilfoyle, Shane Golden and Ryan Taylor also found the tarte.
Despite Waterford getting two points, Donal Moloney and Gerry O’Connor’s team continued as Ryan, Aidan McCarthy and Deasy made it 0-12 to 0-3 on 21 minutes.
When Tony Kelly struck a 26th minute goal before adding a point, the result looked academic as Clare led 1-13 to 0-4. And despite a Stephen Bennett goal, the lead was still an impressive nine points at the break.
Golden, Deasy and Kelly added second half scores but Waterford got back to within four points, trailing 1-18 to 1-14 with 12 minutes remaining.
But when Guilfoyle struck goal for the third consecutive game, Clare looked home and dry but there would be an exciting conclusion for the 3,000 plus supporters.
The score was 2-20 to 1-16 entering injury time but late goals for Tommy Ryan and Bennett suddenly left it a one-point ball game.
Waterford just needed a draw to advance but Clare held their nerve to see this out. And they will meet Tipperary next Sunday, 13 days before they meet again in the National Hurling League.
Scorers – Clare: Diarmuid Ryan 0-6, Niall Deasy 0-5, Tony Kelly 1-2, Colin Guilfoyle 1-1, Shane Golden 0-3, Aidan McCarthy 0-1, Ryan Taylor 0-1, David Conroy.
Clare: Donal Tuohy; Jason McCarthy, David McInerney, Rory Hayes; Aidan McCarthy, Conor Cleary, Cathal Malone; Shane Golden, Tony Kelly; Diarmuid Ryan, Niall Deasy, Ryan Taylor; Colin Guilfoyle, Aron Shanagher, Michael O’Neill.
CLARE SURVIVE WHIRLWIND WATERFORD FINISH!
Munster Senior Hurling League RESULT! from Fraher Field
Clare beat Waterford by one point to book a final place against Tipperary next Sunday.
RESULT!!!#Clare 2-20#Waterford 3-16@GaaClare @WaterfordGAA @MunsterGAA #GAA
— Clare FM (@ClareFM) January 6, 2019