*Photograph: Gerard O’Neill
CLARE’s senior hurlers slumped to their fifth defeat of the 2025 Allianz National Hurling League, losing by the smallest of margins to rivals Tipperary.
Tipperary 0-22
Clare 1-18
Venue: FBD Semple Stadium, Thurles
By Enda Treacy
Wexford’s shock win over Limerick coupled with a fifth loss for Clare means Brian Lohan’s charges finish rock bottom of Division 1A, their relegation to the second tier had been confirmed last weekend.
While there were some positives to take from the game, the loss from a commanding position ten minutes into the second half where the Banner led 1-14 to 0-9 thanks to Mark Rodger’s goal and that will be the source of concern for management in the aftermath of the loss.
Clare held that eight point advantage after 43 minutes of play and with their tails up and Tipperary still in rest mode after the half-time break, they were in a position to press home the advantage.
However, what materialised was the exact opposite as Tipperary – led by Jake Morris up front – slowly pulled themselves back into the contest, drawing level by the 63rd minute and while Clare did re-take the lead twice coming down the home stretch through well-crafted Aron Shanagher points, he was a late replacement for Gearoid Sheedy, they couldn’t withstand the Tipperary tide as Darragh Stakelum’s late point from range gave the home team the win.
Scorers Tipperary: Jason Forde (0-9, 0-7f, 0-1 65), Eoghan Connolly (0-3, 0-2f), Jake Morris, Darragh Stakelum 0-2 each, Conor Bowe, Gearoid O’Connor, Noel McGrath, Ronan Maher, Dylan Walsh, Brian McGrath all 0-1 each.
Scorers Clare: Mark Rodgers (1-6, 0-4f), Tony Kelly (0-5, 0-2f), Aron Shanagher 0-3, Sean Rynne, Conor Cleary, David McInerney, David Reidy all 0-1 each.
Tipperary:
1. Barry Hogan (Kiladangan)
2. Robert Doyle (Clonoulty Rossmore)
3. Eoghan Connolly (Cashel King Cormacs)
4. Michael Breen (Ballina)
5. Joe Caesar (Holycross Ballycahill)
6. Ronan Maher (Thurles Sarsfields)
7. Brian McGrath (Loughmore Castleiney)
8. Craig Morgan (Kilruane MacDonaghs)
9. Willie Connors (Kiladangan)
10. Seamus Kennedy (St Mary’s)
11. Jake Morris (Nenagh Éire Óg)
12. Noel McGrath (Loughmore Castleiney)
13. Conor Bowe (Moyne Templetuohy)
14. Jason Forde (Silvermines)
15. Dylan Walsh (Ballingarry)
Subs:
21. Gearoid O’Connor (Moyne Templetuohy) for Kennedy (46)
22. Bryan O’Mara (Holycross Ballycahill) for B McGrath (46)
26. Darragh Stakelum (Thurles Sarsfields) for Connors (46)
20. Andrew Ormond (JK Brackens) for Walsh (51)
18. Sean Kenneally (Moneygall) for Bowe (63)
Clare:
1: Eibhear Quilligan (Feakle)
2: Adam Hogan (Feakle)
3: Conor Cleary (Kilmaley)
4: Shane Woods (Inagh/Kilnamona)
5: Daithí Lohan (Wolfe Tones)
6: John Conlon (Clonlara)
7: David McInerney (Tulla)
8: Ryan Taylor (Clooney/Quin)
9: Cathal Malone (Sixmilebridge)
10: Tony Kelly (Ballyea)
11: Robin Mounsey (Ruan)
12: Seán Rynne (Inagh/Kilnamona)
18: Aron Shanagher (Wolfe Tones)
14: Shane Meehan (Banner)
15: Mark Rodgers (Scariff)
Subs:
23. David Reidy (Éire Óg) for Mounsey (HT)
20. Darragh Lohan (Wolfe Tones) for McInerney (47)
24. Aidan McCarthy (Inagh/Kilnamona) for Meehan (53)
22. Patrick Crotty (Scariff) for Rynne (64)
26. Paddy Donnellan (Broadford) for Malone (72)
Referee: Colm Lyons (Cork)
