Influential Ronan Lynch helps Limerick end Clare’s three-year reign

Limerick 0-22 Clare 0-19

Three-time Munster and All-Ireland champions Clare were dethroned by Limerick last night in front of 14,311 spectators at Cusack Park, Ennis.

This encounter lived up to its billing and proved to be a thrilling contest right up to the final whistle. Limerick’s display, especially in the second period, earned them a merited win and a place against Galway in the All-Ireland semi-final.

Wing forward Ronan Lynch was unerring on the night and fired over 13 points, with ten of those coming from placed balls.

The other Lynch in the Limerick forward line, Cian, also proved a handful for the Clare defence throughout even though he only contributed a point to the scoreboard.

Hit back

David Dempsey and Darragh O'Donovan had the visitors two points ahead inside as many minutes before Shane Gleeson got Clare off the mark.

The hosts quickly hit another three to move 0-4 to 0-2 in front after seven minutes. But the young Limerick men hit six on the trot in a period of dominance.

Then it was Clare’s turn to hit back and Ian Galvin’s point in the 27th minute put his side 0-9 to 0-8 in front. Donal Moloney’s men retained their edge and led 012 to 0-10 at the interval.

But Limerick dominated for the most part after the break. Clare’s Galvin and Stephen Ward put four between them shortly after the restart.

But as the half progressed Limerick, with Ronan Lynch on song, began to overhaul their opponents. The Na Piarsaigh club man gave them the lead midway through the half with a point from play and from then on Limerick retained their advantage.

Cian Lynch danced through the Clare defence and only was denied a goal by goalkeeper Keith Hogan's fine diving save. Ronan Lynch duly converted the resulting 65.

Colin Ryan put over a valuable score after a wonderful hand pass by Cian Lynch while two Clare defensive errors gifted Tom Morrissey and Ronan Lynch a pair of quick points.

A fine Pat Ryan point from the left sideline on 60 minutes , put Limerick 0-21 to 0-19 ahead and substitute Jack Kelliher's point sealed their fine win.

LIMERICK: D McCarthy, M O'Callaghan, R English, M Casey, D Byrnes, B O'Connell , G Hegarty, D ODonovan (0-1), P Ryan (0-1), R Lynch (0-13, 0-8f, 0-2 '65'), R Hanley (0-1), D Dempsey (0-2), C Ryan (0-1), T Morrissey (0-1), C Lynch (0-1). Subs: S Flanagan for Hegarty (34), A La Touch Cosgrave for Hanley (35), S Finn for O'Callaghan (45), J Kelliher (0-1) for Morrissey (59), D Condron for Dempsey (60.)

CLARE: K Hogan, E Quirke (0-2), D Fitzgerald, S O'Brien, A McGuane, C Cleary (Capt.) B O'Gorman, D Conroy (0-1), K Hehir, B Duggan (0-6, 0-5f), S Gleeson (0-3), I Galvin (0-4), S O'Donnell (0-1), S Ward (0-1), R Taylor. Subs: M O'Malley (0-1) for Gleeson (45), N Deasy for Hehir (47), D Moloney for Ward (52), C Crehan for Taylor (58).

Referee: F Horgan (Tipperary)