Clare will play in Division 1A of the Allianz Hurling League in 2014, following a brilliant fightback against Cork at the Gaelic Grounds.
The match, after extra time, finished Clare 0-31 to Cork’s 2-23.
It was the Rebels who started fastest. Aided by a strong wind they leapt out to a four point lead 0-8 to 0-4 and held that to lead 0-11to 0-7 at the break.
That four point was cut to two midway through the second half, as the sides exchanged points but just as Clare were getting on top, Luke O’Farrell scored a goal to put Cork five ahead.
Darach Honan, Patrick Kelly, Paudge Collins, John Conlon and Tony kelly all pointed in a short spell to give Clare the lead by a single point, only for the impressive Patrick Horgan to net for the Rebels with three minutes to go.
However, Tony Kelly and Colin Ryan scored late points to seal extra time – the score at this stage 0-23 to 2-17.
The teams fought on, and it was Cork who started fastest in extra time with Horgan among the scorers once more as they raced to a two point lead.
Clare’s fitness won through though – they opened up a two point gap after Colm Galvin pointed with four minutes to go in the first part of extra time, and held the lead throughout. Late scores fro mFergal Lynch and John Conlon, amongst others, sealed the impressive and important result.
