*Jack O’Neill in action for Clare. Photograph: Ruth Griffin
WITH Clare’s Division 1A hanging by a thread this was a performance to warm the hearts of many in the Banner as Brian Lohan’s side put on a display full of grit, determination and character, one that will really stand to them when these two sides meet again in the Gaelic Grounds in just under three months’ time, David Byrne rates the performances.
1: Eibhear Quilligan
Two excellent early saves from Shane O’Brien, the first after just 30 seconds, kept Limerick at bay during what was a very strong start to the game for John Kiely’s men. Had the early chances hit the back of the net, this game could have had a very different outcome. Improvement needed in terms of puck-outs come Championship but overall, Clare’s restarts were varied and accurate enough to keep Limerick on their toes. Played a key role in the Banner’s win.
Rating: 7
22: Conor Leen
Came in for Rory Hayes following defeat to Wexford and the Corofin defender really impressed at cornerback. Following a shaky start, Leen was superb on Shane O’Brien after the Kilmallock forward ran the Clare defence ragged in the opening five minutes. Made an outstanding tackle in the 11th minute to deny O’Brien a certain goal. Linked up well with Adam Hogan in front of him and certainly gave Brian Lohan a selection headache ahead of the visit of Cork to Ennis this weekend.
Rating: 7
3: Darragh Lohan
A much-improved performance from the Wexford game. Made a crucial block at a vital stage of the game, denying Aaron Gillane a certain goal with just 20 minutes left on the clock. Limerick were gaining momentum. Clare went on to score the next four points in-a-row. After leaving the play of field early against Wexford the week previously Lohan will be delighted to have seen this game out, picking up value game time ahead of the start of the Munster Championship next month. The Wolfe Tones’ defender played an integral part in Clare’s solid defensive performance.
Rating: 7
7. Adam Hogan
Again, a much-improved performance for the Feakle man. Aggressive in the high press and tackle, resulting in Limerick’s half-forward line being starved of chances, especially in the second and final quarters. Kept Eddie Stokes quiet in the opening half and got a handle on his replacement Aidan O’Connor as the game went on. Did plenty to keep Limerick frustrated.
Rating: 7
5: Cian Galvin
Was again one of the brightest sparks for Clare and now can surely be classified as one of Clare’s most consistent performers in what had been before last Sunday’s game a disappointing start the National Hurling League for the Banner. Certainly upped the tempo and aggression against Limerick. One of Clare’s so-called younger fringe players that is giving Lohan something to think about ahead of the Championship. The 2019 Minor All-Star should be one of the first names on the teamsheet in Ennis on Sunday.
Rating: 7
6. John Conlon
The county’s most capped championship player played a huge part at centre-back in Clare’s first win of the season. The Clonlara’s experience was missing in Clare’s opening two game and having only got back to training in recent weeks he struggled against Wexford. A much-improved performance against Limerick with Conlon acting as a superb deep playmaker finding the gaps in the Limerick defence. Will only improve and find last year’s form as the year goes on.
Rating: 7
22: Seán Rynne
Wasn’t down to originally start but Clare supporters in the Gaelic Grounds were left more than delighted that he did. An impressive defensive display and a return of three points from play will more than please Brian Lohan. A superb performance from the 21-year-old Inagh-Kilnamona man who was unlucky not to be named man of the match. Scored a fantastic point in the 12th minute to draw the sides level for the second time. Along with Jack O’Neill was one of Clare’s best performers in the first half.
Rating: 8
8. Cathal Malone
Grew into the game. Such was Clare’s directness early on, the Sixmilebridge player struggled to get on a lot of ball early on but was a central figure in Clare’s domination of the game after David Reidy’s early second half goal. Continues to be a tireless worker and midfield engine for this dogged Banner side.
Rating: 7
9: Ryan Taylor
A fourth successive start and continuing to improve as the League campaign goes on. The Clooney-Quinn made is finally regaining his form after only returning from an ACL injury last year. After a slow start, really grew into the game.
Rating: 7
10. David Fitzgerald
After struggling during what was his first appearance of the season against Wexford a week previously, the back-to-back All-star hit last season’s heights against Limerick. The Inagh-Kilnamona man seemed to always find himself in space and did a fantastic job in stretching Limerick’s half-back line. Got two points to his name but overall was lively and hard-working, a performance to please Lohan and his management team.
Rating: 8
11. Mark Rodgers
Found it difficult against Wexford after returning from injury but this was a performance that showed why he was named an All-Star last year. Lively and hard-working throughout. Made life difficult for Limerick’s Ethan Hurley. May expect a call from Heimir Hallgrímsson after showcasing his soccer skills to set up David Reidy for the match-winning goal. The Scariff man proved to be a headache for John Kiely’s men all evening.
Rating: 7
26. Jack O’Neill
Not even named on the substitutes bench ahead of Sunday’s game, the surprise starter took the Gaelic Grounds by disbelief with an impressive performance, starting in place of Patrick Crotty. Scored three remarkable points including a superb effort just before half time to put the Banner four ahead. Had pointed after 15 minutes to put Clare ahead for the first time. An exciting prospect.
Rating: 8
13. Aidan McCarthy
Was Clare’s top scorer for the third successive outing but while his eight frees were vital in Clare’s win, the Inagh-Kilnamona man didn’t offer enough from play to warrant a rating more than seven. Put on an almost flawless free-taking performance, however, and did enough to justify a place in the starting 15 for Sunday’s big game against Cork.
Rating: 7
14: Tony Kelly
Added to his outstanding return of 1-4 against Wexford with another three points from play, bringing his total season tally to 1-8, despite only having played 155 minutes of hurling in 2025. A joy to watch from early on and the five-time All-Star really stepped up to the mark and found his form when he started to drop deeper from the full-forward role he’d started the game in. Kelly’s long-range point in the 18th minute gave Clare a massive lift and started to shift momentum in the Banner’s way. Had stiff competition but deservedly named as man of the match.
Rating: 9
15. David Reidy
The Éire Óg man had a quiet enough game overall, but his early second half goal not only proved to be the difference but also came at a crucial time when Limerick’s trademark strong start to the second half had seen the Shannonsiders scored four points without response to take the lead for the first time since the 10th minute. After Reidy’s 39th minute goal, the Banner scored three of the next four points to take a four-point lead.
Rating: 7
Subs:
18: Shane Meehan
Did well when he came on with 15 minutes to go. Not easy coming into a game of such high intensity in the melting pot, but the Banner clubman held his own in the final quarter.
Rating: 6
12: Patrick Crotty
With Limerick threatening to make a late comeback, Clare craved some fresh legs and the Scariff half-forward did just that at a crucial part of the game. Was only on the pitch less than four minutes so did not have enough time to make any noticeable impact.
Rating: 5
19: Aron Shanagher
Only got less than three minutes to make his mark which in a game that looked like Clare’s to lose by the time the Wolfe Tones man was brought on as an outlet in the full-forward line.
Rating: 5
