Poor start to Clare’s campaign

Limerick League 4   Clare League 0

CLARE’S Oscar Traynor campaign got off to the worst possible start when they were comprehensively beaten by Limerick at Jackman Park last week.
A stronger home side dominated throughout but Clare did manage to produce some good quality football. However, Limerick capitalised on chances created and have put themselves in a strong position to qualify for the next stage.
The sides traded early chances with Eoin Hayes (Newmarket Celtic) firing a good shot across the Limerick goal in the third minute. Limerick’s best early chance came when Conor Kavanagh headed just over from close range.
Throughout the 90 minutes, the visitors struggled to cope with the pace of Shane Waters and it was he who provided the through ball, which resulted in the opening goal by John Tierney after 18 minutes.
The home side dominated the remainder of the half with Alan Barry and Christy Doyle searching hard for a second.
Despite strong resistance from David Russell, Darren Murphy and Daryl Eade, Clare conceded a second goal just before the break. Conor Kavanagh’s cross to the back post was headed past John Healy by Shane Clarke and this was a killer blow for the Clare side. Shortly before this, Dave McCarthy had forced a great save from Limerick goalie, Gary Neville.
Ten minutes into the second half, Limerick extended their lead when Alan Barry back heeled the ball to the net after a Christy Doyle header. Limerick had victory secured before the hit their fourth, three minutes from time, through Conor Kavanagh.

Limerick: Gary Neville; Wayne Corbett, Ian Barnes, Pat Mullins, Brian Buckley, Conor Kavanagh, Shane Waters, John Tierney, Shane Clarke, Alan Barry, Christy Doyle.
Clare: John Healy Mattie Nugent Darren Murphy, Darren Cullinan, David Russell, Patrick Darcy, Daryl Eade, David McCarthy, Colin Ryan, Eoin Hayes, Jay Regan.
Subs: Eoin Glynn for Regan (55 minutes), Con Collins for McCarthy (65 minutes).