Cork manager John Meyler says his players didn’t deserve a shot at a third-straight Munster title after a poor show in Ennis.
Cork won’t get a chance in the final, with Tipperary’s victory over Limerick sealing their fate.
Clare were the victors at Cusack Park in Ennis. Shane O’Donnell’s early strike set the tone and Tony Kelly doubled up for a 2-10 to 1-8 half-time lead. Pat Horgan fired both of Cork’s goals.
“I’m delighted we’ve achieved top three. I’m disappointed we’re not in the Munster final but based on that performance, we don’t deserve to be in the Munster final,” said Meyler.
Following a dreadful fortnight and losses against Tipperary and Limerick, Clare had to win in Ennis and within 16 seconds Shane O’Donnell had the ball in Anthony Nash’s net.
Aidan McCarthy added a point but Horgan followed in after a brilliant save by Donal Tuohy from Aidan Walsh, to goal.
A couple of Duggan points, either side of Horgan’s first free, were cancelled out by Alan Cadogan. Former Hurler of the Year Kelly scored from the near the sideline, Cadogan scored again and Darragh Fitzgibbon drew the sides level.
O’Donnell set up Kelly and then Clare joint-manager Gerry O’Connor was sent to the stands following an incident with Daniel Kearney.
Clare were 1-5 to 1-4 in front and after Kearney drew the sides level in the 19th minute Clare scored five points in-a-row.
Duggan added three frees and Colm Galvin scored before Conlon extended Clare’s lead.
Alan Cadogan stopped the rot but Kelly goaled when he was set up by Duggan in the 35th minute. Horgan scored two frees before half-time, however, Clare were full of confidence.
Horgan landed two points on the resumption, Cadogan and Fitzgibbon doubled up on those scores. But Clare showed resilience throughout the second half as the torrential rain fell. Duggan scored in the 40th minute to make it a 2-11 to 1-12 advantage.
Horgan kept Cork ticking but Diarmuid Ryan scored a couple of points and Cathal McInerney came on to make a difference.
Horgan’s goal in the 66th minute gave Cork a chance but Clare took the victory, even though their championship ended.
Cork turn their attentions turns to Westmeath or Laois. “That game is over now. We’re in the preliminary quarter-final against the losers of the Joe McDonagh Cup so that’s our next objective,” said Meyler.
Man of the match: Colm Galvin (Clare).
Clare: D Tuohy; J Browne, P O’Connor (D Fitzgerald 55), D McInerney; C Malone, C Cleary, S Morey; J McCarthy (S Golden 62), C Galvin (0-3); D Ryan (0-2) (Cathal McInerney 69, 0-2), P Duggan (0-12 9f), A McCarthy (0-1) (R Taylor h-t); S O’Donnell (1-0), J Conlon (0-1) (P Collins 55-57 blood) (A Shanagher 67), T Kelly (1-2).
Cork: A Nash; S O’Donoghue, E Cadogan (D Cahalane h-t), N O’Leary; R Downey (S McDonnell h-t), M Ellis, M Coleman; B Cooper, D Fitzgibbon (0-2); L Meade (D Dalton 66), S Harnedy (0-1), D Kearney (0-1) (S Kingston 47, 0-1); P Horgan (2-9 8f), A Cadogan (0-4), A Walsh (C Lehane 52).
Referee: Paud O’Dwyer (Carlow).
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