Michael Neylon’s charges had far too much firepower for the Faithful, writes Michael O’Connor

CLARE……………2-11

OFFALY………0-6

Following an early season win against Limerick in UL the week previous Clare went to Offaly for round two of the Under 20 football tournament.

The Offaly training facility in Kilcormac Killoughey hosted the game. Michael Neylon’s side remain unbeaten following Clare’s comfortable 11 point win.

Clare were quick off the mark and aided by a strong defensive unit they curbed the efforts of the home side.

After 25 minutes the Clare forwards had taken a firm grip on proceedings with goals coming from Brian McNamara and Shane Griffin as Cian Mahony and Griffin once more with points left Clare (2-3) to (0-4) ahead at the interval.

With Fergal Ginnane, Ciaran McMahon and Fionn Kelliher on top there was little real respite for Offaly in the second half as they required a strong sequence of scores to gain a foothold in the game.

With 45 minutes played Clare had extended their lead to nine points, (2-8) to (0-5). Offaly managed to curtail the Clare scoring in the final quarter to just three points but over the course of the second half scored only two points.

Fionn Kelliher, (0-1), Brian McNamara (0-2), Eoin Rouine (0-1), Conor Meaney (0-3) and Sean McNamara (0-1) were responsible for the eight second half points.

CLARE: Thomas Collins (Lissycasey), Eoghan Casey (Wolfe Tones), Fergal Guinnane (Kildysart), Ciaran McMahon (Ennistymon), Odran Cunningham (Killimer), Fionn Kelliher (Doora Barefield) (0-1), Eoin Walsh (Banner), Brian McNamara (Cooraclare) (1-2), Cillian McGroary (Corofin), Eoin Rouine (Ennistymon) (0-1), Cian Mahony (St Josephs Miltown) (0-1), Shane Griffin (Lissycasey) (1-1), Thomas Meenaghan (Banner), Conor Meaney (Lissycasey) (0-3), Joe Raftery (Doora Barefield). Subs: Sean McNamara (Michael Cusacks)(0-1).