Clare have been beaten by Limerick in their second group game of the 2017 McGrath Cup
Clare have been beaten by Limerick in their second group game of the 2017 McGrath Cup
Colm Collins side lost out by 2-13 to 2-9 against their neighbours, meaning their fate in the competition is now out of their hands.
Clare trailed by 1-5 to 0-7 at the break, with Darragh Treacys goal the big score of the half.
The Banner registered just one point from play in the opening period with Shane McGrath's early effort, while Eoin Cleary kicked one free with Keelan Sexton kicking 0-5 from placed balls.
Despite playing into the breeze after the restart, Limerick pounced for another goal through full forward Seamus O'Carroll to give them what would prove to be an unassailable lead.
Limerick pulled six points clear at one stage, but goals from Cian O'Dea and Eoin Cleary saw Clare within touching distance.
They couldn't get close enough as the Treatymen took a four point win and two crucial McGrath Cup points.
It means that if Limerick beat or draw with Waterford in their final group game, it will be them who go through to the final.
A victory for Waterford would mean that scoring difference would come into play to decide who advances to the decider against either Cork or Kerry.
