*PICTURED: Ronan Lanigan in action tonight at Clarecastle’s all new astro facility. Burren Eye Photography
A strong final quarter showing from Cork proved decisive as the Leesiders got their McGrath cup campaign off to a winning starts in a tie played in wet and cold conditions at the well appointed Clarecastle astroturf facility this Wednesday evening.
Cork 2-14
Clare 0-8
Despite the harsh weather conditions of extremely heavy rainfall in the opening half, there was a good attendance for the opening game of the season.
For three quarters of this tie Clare were in a good position and, in fact, they led by point as the mid point of the second half approached.
In the 16th minute of the second half the game turned in the visitors’ favour after the home side lost possession when in a good attackimg position. Cork immediately went on the attack and a sweeping move involving four players ended with full forward Conor Corbett finishing to the net.
That score rattled Clare and Cork grew in confidence hitting 1-5 without reply in the next 14 minutes.
When Clare reflect on this performane they will rue not converting more that 0-3 in the opening half when they had the aid of the breeze. They were forced into two late changes which saw Cillian Rouine, named at full back and Emmett McMahon due to start on the ‘40 replaced by Josh Guyler and Darren O’Brien.
Rouine and McMahon had impressed last season and their loss was a blow to the side.
Clare started well and took the lead inside the opening minute when midfielder Daniel Walsh pointed. Five minutes later Cork levelled through their midfielder Colm O’Callaghan.
Scoring opportunities were few and the match had reached the end of the first quarter before the next score came, a pointed free for Clare from Ciaran Downes. Cork then landed three in a row before Diarmuid O’Donnell pointed a free for Clare to leave Cork ahead by the odd point in seven at the interval.
Cork returned with experienced Ruairi Deane and Chris Og Jones in their attack but despite facing the breeze Clare had the better of matters in the opening ten minutes of the new half when Ciaran Downes converted three frees to put the home side 0-6 to 0-4 in front.
They would not have been flattered to have added another couple of points during this period but inexperience proved costly. Corbett’s goal at the mid point of the half turned the tie in the visitor’s favour and from here on they dictated matters. While Cork ran out deserving winners the final scoreline is a little flattering in their favour.
With the start of the Allianz league just a few weeks away, Clare will be looking for an improved display when they take on Waterford at Leamybrien on this Sunday in round 2 of the McGrath cup.
Stephen Ryan, Micheal Garry and Daniel Walsh got through some good work in Wednesday’s opening tie.
Cork Scorers: Mark Cronin (1-4, 0-3 f); Conor Corbett (1-2); Colm O’Callaghan, Darragh Cashman (0-2) each Mattie Taylor, Paul Walsh, Blake Murphy(free) Chris Og Jones (0-1) each
Clare scorers: Ciaran Downes (0-5, 4f), Diarmuid O’Donnell (free), Daniel Walsh, Kieran Malone (0-1) each
Cork;
1-Patrick Doyle
2-Kevin Flahive
3-Maurixe Shanley
4-Mattie Taylor, Captain
5-Darragh Cashman
17-Tommy Walsh
7-Brian O’Driscoll
8-Colm O’Callaghan
9-Paul Walsh
10-Eoghan McSweeney
11-Fionn Herlihy
12-John O’Rourke
13-David Buckley
14-Conor Corbett
15-Blake Murphy
Subs;-
24-Ruairi Deane for FHerlihy (half time); 23–Chris Og Jones for J. O’Rourke (half time); 22-Ian Maguire for McSweeney (half time); 25-Damian Gore for Buckley (54); 20-Luke Fahy for Cashman (55); 19-Neil Lordan for P. Walsh (62); 21–Jack McCarthy for T. Walsh (62)
Clare;
1-Stephen Ryan, Captain
4-Ronan Lanigan, Eire Og
2-Manus Doherty, Eire Og
5-Micheal Garry, Cooraclare
17-Josh Guyler, Inagh-Kilnamona
6-Alan Sweeney, St. Breckans
8-Daniel Walsh, Kilmurry-Ibrickane
7-Gavin Murray, Eire Og
9-Brian McNamara, Cooraclare
12-Dermot Coughlan, Kilmurry-Ibrickane
21-Darren O’Brien, Eire Og
10-Ciaran Downes, Kilmihil
13-Shane Griffin, Lissycasey
14-Aaron Griffin, Lissycasey
15-Diarmuid O’Donnell, Kildysart
Subs;
25-Kieran Malone, Miltown St. Josephs for O’Donnell (50); 18–Tom McDonald, St. Josephs for O’Brien (55); 23–Ciaran McMahon, Ennistymon for Coughlan (inj. 57)
Referee; Donnacha O’Callaghan, Limerick
