For the third time in five outings in the current Allianz hurling league (division 1A), Clare midfielder Tony Kelly contributed a tally of 0-12 as he played a key role in his side’s latest victory.
This comfortable win over Dublin before an attendance of 3,360 at Cusack Park saw the team maintain their unbeaten run and qualify for the league semi-final after topping the group.
Dublin started well and were 0-3 to 0-1 ahead after four minutes but Clare then landed eight unanswered points to open a six point lead by the 22 minute. This was still the margin between the teams ten minutes later after both had added two points.
The introduction of Eamonn Dillon to the Dublin attack caused problems for Clare and Dillon struck for the game’s only goal a minute from half time when the teams were level at 0-11 to 1-8,.
Clare dominated the third quarter by which time they were six points clear again. They had extended their lead to eight points with fifteen minutes remaining and while Dublin landed three unanswered points, Clare responded with four in a row to seal victory and a league semi-final spot.
Tony Kelly and David McInerney ruled the midfield exchanges and they contributed 0-16 of Clare’s impressive tally as McInerney hit four from play on a day when nine Clare players got on the scoresheet.
Jack Browne, Pat O’Connor, Shane O’Donnell and David Reidy were others who were to the fore for the home side while Paul Crummy, Eoghan O’Donnell, and Donal Burke who contributed 0-10, did best for the visitors
Clare; E. Quilligan; L. Corry, C. Cleary, J. Browne; C. Malone P. O’Connor, P. Fitzpatrick; D. McInerney (0-4), T. Kelly (0-12); D. Ryan (0-1) D. Reidy (0-2), D. McMahon (0-2); R. Taylor, J. Conlon (0-1), S. O’Donnell (0-3);
Subs; A. Shanagher (0-1) for Ryan (44); G. Cooney (0-1) for Taylor (58);K. Hehir for McMahon ((65); R. Hayes for Fitzpatrick (69)
Dublin; A. Nolan; P. Smyth E. O’Donnell, A. Dunphy; J. Malone, P. Crummy (0-3) D. Gray (0-1); S. Moran R. McBride, D. Sutcliffe, D. Burke (0-10, 6f), F. McGibb; M. Schutte, D. Keogh, R. Hayes (0-1)
Subs; E. Dillon (1-0) for Moran (25); ; A. O’Neill for McGibb (58); J. Hetherton for Schutte (60); L. Rushe for McBride (65)
Referee: D. Hughes, Carlow
Man of the match: Tony Kelly, Clare
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