Munster SHC: Tipperary 4-18 Clare 2-21
Clare’s All Ireland title defence is now out of their own hands after a second successive loss of the campaign.
Four first half goals for wind assisted Tipperary saw them lead by nine points at the break, with John McGrath and Andrew Ormonde both finishing to the net twice.
Clare eventually sparked into life in the third quarter with Mark Rodgers accuracy from placed balls seeing him finish with 1-13; his goal coming in the opening half with a neat finish.
Tony Kelly’s penalty goal was followed by two more Rodgers frees to level the game in the 63rd minute, and with 2024 Hurler of the Year Shane O’Donnell making his return from the bench, it looked as if the tide of momentum had swung Clare’s way.
The next four scores would come the way of Tipperary to assert their dominance once more, and while Clare pushed hard for a goal that would have equalised the contest, the Premier held on for what was a merited victory.
Clare’s season can still be salvaged, but will need a combination of results to go their way, along with a final round win over Limerick in two weeks time.
