Clare U21s have too much craft for Limerick

CLARE 2-20 LIMERICK 1-14

All-Ireland champions Clare had sufficient craft and character to advance to the Munster semi-final following a convincing victory over Limerick at the Gaelic Grounds in Limerick.

Despite the injury-enforced absences of key attackers Shane O’Donnell and Cathal O’Connell, Clare were still too polished for the hosts, who were gritty to the end. Ultimately, though, Limerick lacked the depth and dynamism of a purposeful Clare.

Goals in the closing stages from Aaron Cunningham and Peter Duggan sealed an excellent win in front of 6,063 spectators.

The opening period had provided glimpses of just how sharp and smart Clare can be, leaving Aaron Cunningham and Bobby Duggan inside as David Reidy operated between the lines and there were moments of quality.

Elsewhere Séadna Morey did well in defence, Colm Galvin was typically honest and relevant at centrefield, while Tony Kelly was similarly effective in a withdrawn role.

By the 24th minute with Duggan prominent Clare had edged 0-10 to 0-5 ahead. Shane Dowling’s frees kept Limerick in contention and an improvement before the break ensured Clare’s interval advantage was down to 0-12 to 0-10.

Clare inflicted a bit more damage in the third quarter as Galvin continued to impress. Cunningham connected with a sweet flick 10 minutes from time to goal following Duggan’s thoughtful pass.

There was no way back for Limerick as centre back Diarmuid Byrnes was sent off eight minutes from the end for a second bookable offence.

Duggan decorated Clare’s triumph with a splendid 57th minute goal. In stoppage time Kevin O’Brien netted a last gasp consolation major for Limerick. Clare will now face Tipperary in the Munster semi-final on July 16th at Cusack Park, Ennis.

CLARE: K Hogan; J Colleran, J Browne, S Morey (0-1); G O'Connell, C Cleary, J Shanahan (0-2); C Galvin (0-2), E Enright; P Duggan (1-1), T Kelly (0-3), S Gleeson (0-2); A Cunningham (1-1), D Reidy, B Duggan (0-8, six frees). Subs: S McGrath for Gleeson (54 mins), S Taylor for Cunningham (58 mins), S O'Brien for Colleran (58 mins), N O'Connor for O'Connell (60 mins), S Ward for Kelly (60 mins). LIMERICK: D Stapleton; M Callaghan, R English, S Irwin; M Carmody (0-1), D Byrnes, D Morrissey (0-1); W O'Donoghue, C Lynch (0-1); S Dowling (0-8, eight frees), D Dempsey, M Fitzgibbon (0-1); L O'Sullivan, K O'Brien (1-0), P Ryan (0-1). Subs: D O'Donovan (0-1) for O'Donoghue (37 mins), D Coleman for O'Sullivan (41 mins), B Griffin for Fitzgibbon (45 mins)
Referee: J Ryan (Tipperary).