Munster U20 Hurling Championship: Cork 2-22 Clare 1-19
A brave Banner effort just came up short in the second round of the Munster U20 hurling championship against Cork.
James Organ’s late goal left just three points between the sides with 10 minutes to play, but Cork landed four of the final five points of the contest to secure the win.
It was a spirited Clare showing, with Terence Fahy’s side having to play almost 40 minutes of the game with 14 men after losing Ronan Keane to a straight red card just before the break.
Clare exploded out of the blocks in the opening period, racing into an 0-11 to 0-5 lead by the time the red card came on the 25th minute.
Conor Whelan’s free-taking was exceptional throughout the contest with the Whitegate man accruing a personal tally of 0-10 on the night.
A sideline fracas and subsequent red card sparked the Rebels into life and the sucker punch came when Ross O’Sullivan found the back of the Clare net to help Cork lead by 0-13 to 1-8 at the break.
Clare did land the opening point of the second half through Whelan, but a run of 1-4 without reply, including a spectacular goal from Jack Leahy, saw Cork take control of the contest.
Organ’s brilliant late goal did give Clare hope, but a strong Cork finish saw them run out six point winners.
Up next for Clare is a home tie against Waterford in 3 weeks time, where a win would assure the Banner of a place in the semi-final of this year’s championship.