Clare 2-22
Cork 3-18
Páraic McMahon reports from Cusack Park, Ennis
DIARMUID RYAN’s strike on seventy three minutes drove Clare into the Munster senior hurling final and their supporters into delirium after they held off the stern challenge of Cork on Sunday afternoon.
Facing off with Cork in Cusack Park for only the second time in championship, Clare ensured they maintained a one hundred home record over the Rebels. The ultimate reward is a shot at a first provincial crown at this grade since 1998.
It also means that Clare will have contested provincial finals at minor, U20 and senior in the one season.
A full-house at Cusack Park meant a rip-roaring atmosphere in Ennis, it was evident from the first two scores from Tony Kelly and Ryan Taylor but was abundantly clear at the final whistle when ‘Freed from Desire’ played across the tannoy and the stadium resembled a nightclub.
Though Clare had the better opening start, Cork managed to carve out a four point lead by the end of the first quarter. Conor Cahalane struck for the game’s first goal on eight minutes when Patrick Horgan set him through on goal.
Four points on the trot saw Clare regain the lead with twenty three minutes played and when they raised a green flag from Tony Kelly on twenty eight minutes the wind was firmly in their sails. Rory Hayes burst out of defence with possession, popped to Diarmuid Ryan, he delivered long and high to Peter Duggan who batted down to Kelly and he made no mistake when given the opportunity.
Kelly, Seadna Morey and Diarmuid Ryan closed out the scoring in the first half to see Clare hold a 1-13 1-08 advantage.
Shane O’Donnell continued to cause headaches for Cork, in his first attack on the restart, he was fouled and Johnny Murphy awarded a penalty which was ratcheted to the net by Kelly to see Clare lead by eight.
Cork had a penalty of their own, substitute Shane Kingston was fouled in his first contribution, Patrick Horgan’s effort was saved by Eibhear Quilligan but the rebound from Declan Dalton was not kept out and like that Cork were within four points on forty five minutes.
Horgan goaled twenty eight minutes later to level matters and ensure a nervy, tense finish was on the cards in Ennis. Clare’s response to this goal was immediate with David McInerney and Shane O’Donnell adding quick-fire points.
Crucially Cork never went ahead in the closing stages even though they drew level on a further two occasions. David Fitzgerald put Clare back in front approaching additional time where four minutes were signalled, Horgan again equalised from a free before Diarmuid Ryan struck the all-important winner.
All is not lost for Cork who need a win in their final round against Limerick to have some hope of emerging from the province. They moved the ball well and at pace throughout the game but were second best to the majority of breaking balls and were inferior when it came to the rucks. Seamus Harnedy plus Brian Roche and Darragh Fitzgibbon were most prominent for the Rebels.
Back to back Munster final appearances is the reward for Brian Lohan’s Clare who once again produced a spirited display but one which got great joy from running at their opponents and fine link-up play. They lost full-back Conor Cleary to what appeared to be a serious injury which could likely see him sidelined for the final on June 11th. Leaders were present in abundance for the Banner with Tony Kelly, Shane O’Donnell, Diarmuid Ryan, Peter Duggan and John Conlon setting the way.
Scorers for Clare: Tony Kelly 2-4 (1 pen), Diarmuid Ryan 0-3, Aidan McCarthy 0-3 (2f), David Fitzgerald 0-3, Ryan Taylor 0-2, David McInerney 0-2, Shane O’Donnell 0-2, Seadna Morey 0-1, Mark Rodgers 0-1, Peter Duggan 0-1.
Scorers for Cork: Patrick Horgan 1-9 (6 frees), Declan Dalton 1-1, Conor Cahalane 1-0, Seamus Harnedy 0-2, Brian Roche 0-2, Darragh Fitzgibbon 0-2, Damien Cahalane 0-1, Shane Kingston 0-1.
Clare
1. Eibhear Quilligan (Feakle);
2. Adam Hogan (Feakle), 3. Conor Cleary (St Joseph’s Miltown), 4. Rory Hayes (Wolfe Tones);
5. Diarmuid Ryan (Cratloe), 6. John Conlon (Clonlara), 7. David McInerney (Tulla);
13. Ryan Taylor (Clooney/Quin), 9. Cathal Malone (Sixmilebridge);
8. David Fitzgerald (Inagh/Kilnamona), 11. Tony Kelly (Ballyea), 12. Aidan McCarthy (Inagh/Kilnamona)
14. Shane O’Donnell (Éire Óg), 10. Peter Duggan (Clooney/Quin), 15. Mark Rodgers (Scariff)
Subs:
- 26. Seadna Morey (Sixmilebridge) for Cleary (34) (inj)
- 18. Ian Galvin (Clonlara) for Rodgers (46)
- 20. Aron Shanagher (Wolfe Tones) for McCarthy (53)
- 19. Shane Meehan (Banner) for Galvin (68)
Cork
1. Patrick Collins (Ballinhassig);
2. Niall O’Leary (Castlelyons), 3. Damien Cahalane (St Finbarr’s), 4. Sean O’Donoghue (Inniscarra);
5. Tommy O’Connell (Midleton), 6. Ciarán Joyce (Castlemartyr), 7. Robert Downey (Glen Rovers);
9. Darragh Fitzgibbon (Charleville), 12. Luke Meade (Newcestown);
10. Declan Dalton (Fr O’Neills), 14. Patrick Horgan (Glen Rovers),
8. Brian Roche (Bride Rovers);
15. Conor Lehane (Midleton), 11. Seamus Harnedy (St Ita’s), 13. Conor Cahalane (St Finbarrs),
Subs:
- 23. Shane Kingston (Douglas) for Lehane (42)
- 25. Shane Barrett (Blarney) for C Cahalane (45)
- 17. Ger Millerick (Fr O’Neills) for O’Connell (46)
- 19. Tim O’Mahoney (Newtownshandrum) for Meade (61)
- 26. Brian Hayes (St Finbarr’s) for Dalton (67)
Referee: Johnny Murphy (Limerick)
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So in theory once, and if, Ireland have scored four tries they can (kinda) decide who they want to play in the quarter finals (and to eliminate SA from the competition)….. However, that’s not what this team is about. They’ll have the simple goal to beat Scotland off the park.
@Thomas Patton: Technically correct, but great motivation for whichever team was ‘picked’ to be the lesser of two evils
@Brian Donohoe: you’d imagine intentionally losing a world cup game by 20+ PTS would have serious consequences
@Ciaran Kennedy: Yeah. If Scotland score 4 tries against us, we’re not going to be winning a QF
@Kevin Ryan: meanwhile on against the head, Donal Lenihan says that Scotland need 4 tries to progress and nobody corrects him. Punditry sucks.
It is quite simple lads… please just win – dont care how or by how much. My heart would not be able to take the stress of it. The closer it gets the more nervous I feel.
Ireland will be 100% focussed as always , everyone knows their roles and the game plan . The goal is to win against Scotland and then prepare for the next team we are drawn against. That’s it . This being the tougher side of the draw we were always going to have to do this the hard way.
Ireland lose by 4 or fewer : top group.
Lose by 5, 6 or 7, top group if no Scotland bonus point.
Lose by 5 and Scotland bonus: top group if same or more tries against Scotland (or 2 bonus points).
Lose by 6 or 7 and Scotland bonus : through only if 2 bonus points.
Lose by 8-19 : Ireland out.
Lose by > 20 : Ireland second if 4 try bonus
Lose by 20. Ireland second if 4 try bonus, only if Scotland score at least 3 more tries than Ireland!
@Graham Glendinning: Any of those later options will mean a steward’s inquiry
@Graham Glendinning: Corrections.
Note – lreland lose with try bonus, and no Scotland bonus: Ireland through
Ireland lose by 4 or fewer : top group.
Lose by 5, 6 or 7, top group if no Scotland bonus point (or 2 Ireland bonus points).
Lose by 5 and Scotland bonus: top group if same or more tries against Scotland (or 2 bonus points).
Lose by 6 or 7 and Scotland bonus : through only if 2 bonus points.
Lose by 8-19 : Ireland out (unless try bonus and no Scotland try bonus)
Lose by 20. Ireland second if 4 try bonus, only if Scotland score at least 3 more tries than Ireland!
Lose by > 20 : Ireland second if 4 try bonus for Ireland and Scotland
Would it be better to play France? Unfortunately, I feel we’ve eliminated that opportunity now with our success so far. Maybe Italy could do us a favour…
@Sam Bingham: Why would it be better to play France?
@Kevin Liston: hi Kevin, I’ve used the punctuation known as a question mark to indicate I’m asking a question. You actually nailed it first time in your response buddy, so you should get to grips with it pretty quickly.
@Sam Bingham: did u watch new zealand v italy oh boy
In that final scenario, wouldn’t SA’s better head-to-head have them ahead of Scotland?
@John Dooney: forget that
@John Dooney: ya my head wrecked even reading that post from murray haha
@John Dooney: The odd thing is that in a 3-way tie where each beat one of the others, it is points difference to decide the winner, but head to head for second-third. I think in the Heineken cups it is points difference for all 3.