BRIAN LOHAN’s Clare hurlers produced another impressive display to secure a successive win and in the process keep aspirations of a Munster championship and qualifying from the province well and truly alive.
Clare 0-28
Cork 2-20
Venue: FBD Semple Stadium, Thurles
Minutes had passed after the final whistle sounded when manager Brian Lohan made his way across to the Ardán Ó Riáin to applaud the Clare supporters. For those left from the 20,834 attendance, they belted out a Banner roar to the manager who can certainly pat himself on the back following two impressive outings in the Munster SHC.
His touch though simple was an important one to acknowledge the backing he has received from the fans, but it also reinforced what has been shown on the field – the Banner are back.
For the second time in the space of seven days, Clare produced a commanding first half display. A tremendous workrate was evident in attack again from the get-go boasting seven different scorers while defensively they were on top of their individual battles.
Thirteen points was the distance at half-time when Clare floored Tipperary last week, at half-time this time round, the margin at the interval was six points with Cork finishing with seven of the last nine scores to put some respectability between the teams.
In what has been labelled a perplexing decision, Clare were reduced to fourteen men when referee Paud O’Dwyer brandished Ian Galvin with a red a card and Robert Downey a yellow on fifty minutes. They responded well to the dismissal firing three points on the trot to hold a seven point advantage.
Matters had been closer on the resumption of the second half with Alan Connolly netting for the Rebels on forty seven minutes, Robbie O’Flynn pointed immediately after this lowering the distance to four points before O’Dwyer issued a red card to Galvin.
Cork always needed a goal to come back in contention having been far the inferior side for the bulk of proceedings. Four placed balls from Patrick Horgan were sandwiched between efforts from Tony Kelly leaving a six point gap before Conor Lehane and Kelly traded scores.
Substitute Mark Keane was sent to the line by O’Dwyer following an off the ball altercation with John Conlon, Cork finished the tie with 1-01 without reply, Darragh Fitzgibbon raising the green flag to ensure the final margin was two points.
Dominant all over the field, Clare can be very pleased with their showing. Shane O’Donnell with his unselfishness, trojan workrate and decision making is an invaluable asset to the fold, Peter Duggan likewise made a nuisance of himself with Rory Hayes, Conor Cleary and David McInerney also showing well. Limerick in Cusack Park is the next assignment for Clare on May 15th, another win would seal their progression from Munster while their bid for provincial glory is still on track.
Puckout retention was a major issue for Cork once again who were floored by Clare’s early dominance. They grew into the game but like Tipperary last week were lacking in leaders to take the game by the scruff of the neck. The decision to replace the lively Jack O’Connor early on was welcomed by Clare supporters but was a strange move by the Rebels management. They
Scorers for Clare: Tony Kelly 0-10 (0-4f, 0-2 ’65), Ryan Taylor 0-3, David Fitzgerald 0-3, Peter Duggan 0-3, Shane O’Donnell 0-2, Ian Galvin 0-2, Cathal Malone 0-2, Robyn Mounsey 0-1, Diarmuid Ryan 0-1, David McInerney 0-1.
Scorers for Cork: Patrick Horgan 0-10 (0-6f, 0-1 ’65), Alan Connolly 1-1, Darragh Fitzgibbon 1-0, Robbie O’Flynn 0-3, Seamus Harnedy 0-2, Shane Kingston 0-2, Tim O’Mahony 0-1, Conor Lehane 0-1.
Clare:
1: Eibhear Quilligan (Feakle)
2: Rory Hayes (Wolfe Tones)
3: Conor Cleary (St Joseph’s Miltown)
4: Paul Flanagan (Ballyea)
5: Diarmuid Ryan (Cratloe)
6: John Conlon (Clonlara)
7: David McInerney (Tulla)
10: Ryan Taylor (Clooney/Quin)
9: Cathal Malone (Sixmilebridge)
8: David Fitzgerald (Inagh/Kilnamona)
14: Peter Duggan (Clooney/Quin)
12: Shane O’Donnell (Éire Óg)
13: Robin Mounsey (Ruan)
11: Tony Kelly (Ballyea)
15: Ian Galvin (Clonlara)
Subs:
25. Aron Shanagher (Wolfe Tones) for Mounsey (57)
18. Domhnall McMahon (Michael Cusacks) for Duggan (69)
Cork:
1: Patrick Collins (Ballinhassig);
2: Niall O’Leary (Castlelyons)
3: Robert Downey (Glen Rovers)
4: Sean O’Donoghue (Inniscarra);
5: Tim O’Mahony (Newtownshandrum)
6: Ciarán Joyce (Castlemartyr)
7: Mark Coleman (Blarney, c);
8: Darragh Fitzgibbon (Charleville)
9: Ger Millerick (Fr O’Neill’s);
10: Seamus Harnedy (St Ita’s)
11: Shane Kingston (Douglas)
12: Robbie O’Flynn (Erin’s Own);
13: Shane Barrett (Blarney)
14: Patrick Horgan (Glen Rovers)
15: Jack O’Connor (Sarsfields).
Subs:
26. Alan Connolly (Blackrock) for O’Connor (26)
24. Conor Lehane (Midleton) for Barrett (half-time)
23. Conor Cahalane (St Finbarr’s) for Harnedy (56)
20. Tommy O’Connell (Midleton) for Millerick (inj) (59)
25. Mark Keane (Ballygiblin) for Kingston (62)
Referee: Paud O’Dwyer (Carlow)
