Magnificent minors back in Munster football final

Clare 1-9 Tipperary 2-4

ON a magnificent evening for Clare under-age football the county minor team qualified for their second successive Munster final, following a two point win over Tipperary in Thurles.

The game started 22 minutes late due to the late arrival of the Clare bus at their pick up point in Ennis but they did the business on the field, particularly in the second half.

Shane Meehan kicked the decisive points from play in the closing minutes, while Kevin Keane raised the crucial green flag for Clare following a Chibby Okoye pass.

Tipperary led 1-2 to 0-4 at half-time, with Meehan pointing two crucial late frees, won by Mark McInerney and Thomas Kelly.

Tipperary wing forward, Max Hackett, put away their goal in the tenth minute. He was left completely free in front of goal and expertly netted Kevin Hayes’ pass.

Thomas Kelly was the first Clare man to raise a white flag, while Emmet McMahon landed a top class effort from distance.

In the closing minutes of the first half, Meehan, pointed a brace of frees, won by Mark McInerney and Kelly.

While Meehan kicked the crucial late points, Emmet McMahon was immense from play and frees, landing crucial second half points. In the closing minutes, with Clare two points up, they showed commendable composure to hold onto possession and protect their lead..

A more detailed report will be published in Thursday’s print edition of The Clare Champion.

Clare: Michael Garrihy (St Breckan’s); Jack Reidy (Shannon Gaels), Darragh Connelly (Ennistymon), John Murphy (Ennistymon); Conor Carrig (Wolfe Tones), Cillian Rouine (Ennistymon – captain), Adam O’Connor (Kilmurry Ibrickane); Chibby Okoye (Banner), Emmet McMahon (Kildysart); Thomas Kelly (Shannon Gaels), Cian McDonagh (Doora-Barefield), Padraic O’Donoghue (Cooraclare); Kevin Keane (Corofin), Shane Meehan (Banner), Mark McInerney (Éire Óg).

Subs: Gavin D’Aurio (Éire Óg) for Padraic O’Donoghue (43), Shane Lillis (Cooraclare) for Kevin Keane (57)

Scorers: Shane Meehan (0-5, 3f), Kevin Keane (1-0), Emmet McMahon (0-3, 1f, 1 45), Thomas Kelly (0-1).

Tipperary: Callan Scully (Éire Óg, Nenagh); Tommy McDonagh, (Cahir), Shane Lowe (Moyne-Templetuohy), Christy McDonagh,(Cahir); Mark O’Meara (Grangemockler-Ballyneale, captain)

Gavin Meagher (Inane Rovers), Johnny Ryan  (Arravale Rovers); Keith Ryan (Upperchurch-Drombane), Kevin Hayes (Moycarkey-Borris); Max Hackett (Moycarkey-Borris), Devon Ryan (Knockavilla-Donaskeigh Kickhams), Christy English  (Ballyporeen); Kyle Shelly  (Moycarkey-Borris), Seán O’Connor (Clonmel Commercials), Eddie Daly (Knockavilla-Donaskeigh Kickham).

Subs: Rhys Bryon for Keith Ryan (half-time), Billy Murphy (Kilsheelan-Kilcash) for Gavin Meagher (40), Jamie Holloway (Carrick Swan) fir Devon Ryan (45), Paddy Creedon (Durlas Óg) for Seán O’Connor (52), John O’Sullivan (Galtee Rovers) for Rhys Byron (59-inj).

Scorers: Christy English 1-1, 1f, Max Hackett 1-0, Seán O’Connor 0-2, 1f, Kyle Shelly 0-1

Referee: David Murnane (Cork)