Wicklow 1-15 Clare 1-12WICKLOW REALISED a long cherished dream of securing promotion to Division Three at Aughrim yesterday.

Clare, who only needed a draw to get promoted, pushed Wicklow all the way. With just nine minutes left the sides were deadlocked at 1-12 apiece after Clare had wiped out a six-point deficit to draw level at 1-12 apiece and then a chance of a goal was lost when a crucial move broke down in front of goal.

It was free-taker and corner-forward Tony Hannon, top scorer for Wicklow with 0-7, six of his points from frees, who killed off Clare with his shooting skills.

Urged on by Wicklow fans in the 4,000 crowd, Hannon drilled a pressure free from beyond the 50 metre line between the posts for the lead and then followed up with a point from a 45.

Clare battled back from good starts by Wicklow in both halves with full-forward David Tubridy giving the lead as he lofted over 7 points, six of them from frees.

A goal in seconds by Darren Hayden helped Wicklow lead 1-8 to 1-6 at the interval. Clare’s cause wasn’t helped when they were reduced to 14 men by the sending off of full-back Shane McNeilies on a second yellow card.