Clare U20s progress to phase two with five point win over Limerick

*Evan Cahill in action for Clare. Photograph: Gerard O’Neill. 

CLARE’S U20 footballers have brought their championship bid to life, overcoming Limerick to qualify for phase two in Munster.

Clare 0-16
Limerick 0-11
Venue: Hennessy Memorial Park, Miltown Malbay

Andrea Bocelli may have inadvertently played over the tannoy for the opening few moments of this contest but it wasn’t a case of ‘Time To Say Goodbye’ so far as Clare’s involvement in the Munster U20 championship is concerned.

Heading into the tie, Clare knew a five point win would be enough to qualify for phase two, provided Tipperary held up their end of the bargain and recorded a third win in as many outings. While the first half hinted Clare’s winning margin would be more than the necessary figure, they won by five and Tipp did the business over Waterford to see both counties qualify for phase two.

It was most definitely contrasting performances in each from Clare who led by eleven at half time with a powerful first half but really dropped the ante in the second half where they kicked just one point in the second half.

They struggled to retain possession on their own kickout while Limerick made the most of having the wind in their favour in Miltown Malbay outscoring the hosts 0-7 0-1 in the second half.

To their credit when with the wind, Clare played to their strengths and kicked four two pointers, three from Conor Fennell and one from Daire Culligan. However not for the first time in this campaign they completely faded in the second half, the difference being they didn’t concede a green flag and had carved out such a solid foundation.

Four changes in personnel from the one point loss to Tipperary were made by Maurice Walsh and his management, Ronan Fitzpatrick, Seanie Conneally, Cathal Talty and Conor Fennell receiving starting spots.

Luke Pyne once again was Clare’s best player, the wing-back made vital interceptions in both halves, preventing goal opportunities and making the right decision with excellent passing.

When Clare were on top, Evan Cahill made his mark known while others to impress included Daire Culligan, Seán McAllister and in the opening half Seanie Conneally.

Scorers Clare: C Fennell (0-7 3xTPF, 1f), D Culligan (0-4 1TP), S Fennell (0-2), D Killeen (0-1), L Pyne (0-1), S McMahon (0-1)

Scorers Limerick: T Ryan (0-6 1TPf 2f), T Lloyd (0-2), B O’Callaghan (0-1), D Hynes (0-1), P Phelan (0-1).

Clare:
1: Eoin Byrne (St Breckan’s)

18: Ronan Fitzpatrick (St Breckan’s)
3: Daire Hill (Lissycasey)
2: Conor Hill (Lissycasey)

4: Seanie Conneally (Ennistymon)
17: Caoimhin O’Donovan (Corofin)
6: Luke Pyne (Éire Óg)

8: Evan Cahill (Kilmurry Ibrickane)
7: Seán McAllister (Clondegad)

11: Daire Culligan (Lissycasey)
15: Seán Fennell (Kilrush Shamrocks)
12: Darragh Killeen (Lissycasey)

21: Cathal Talty (Kilmurry Ibrickane)
9: Conor Fennell (Kilrush Shamrocks)
13: Seán McMahon (Banner)

Subs:
19: Cillian Kelly (Kildysart) for C Hill (HT)
10: Odhran O’Connell (St Joseph’s Doora/Barefield) for Culligan (46)
20: Colm Breen for Conneally (47)
5: Ewan Wragg (Lissycasey) for Talty (50)
22: Diarmuid McMahon (Lissycasey) for S Fennell (57)

Limerick:
1: Cian McGrath (Oola)

2: Cian O’Sullivan (Killdimo/Pallaskenry)
3: Cathal Mangan (Croom)
7: Jack Butler (Ahane)

5: Tom Llyod (Mungret St Paul’s)
6: Tommy Ryan (Dromcollogher/Broadford)
4: Calum Boyle (Fr Casey’s)

9: Brian O’Callaghan (Dromcollogher/Broadford)
8: Tadhg Hourigan (Pallasgreen)

11: Tom Ryan (Oola)
13: Diarmuid Hynes (Mungret St Paul’s)
12: Evan Curry (Athea)

10: Pádraic Phelan (Pallasgreen)
14: Luke Walsh (Mungret St Paul’s)
15: Shane O’Grady (Oola)

Subs:
22: Pádraic Murphy (Askeaton/Ballysteen/Kilcornan) for Walsh (41)
23: Aidan O’Shea (Cappagh) for Tommy Ryan (41)
19: Micheál Fahy ((Dromcollogher/Broadford) for O’Grady (55)
24: Bobby Smith (Ballybrown) for Boyle (59)

Referee: John Ryan (Cork)