There was a winning start to the Brian Lohan era in Clare as they edged out All-Ireland champions Tipperary in today’s Munster SHL clash at MacDonagh Park, Nenagh.

Late points from Niall Deasy and substitutes Cathal McInerney and Aidan McCarthy saw the Banner County eke out a 2-17 to 1-19 success.

First-half goals from Ian Galvin and Seadna Morey boosted the visitors into a 2-6 to 0-10 lead at the halfway stage the pendulum swung in the hosts’ favour in the 40th minute when Tom Fox raised a green flag.

Jason Forde caused all sorts of headaches for the Clare defence and his finished with 0-14 to his name.

Liam Sheedy’s side appeared to be heading for the win thanks to Forde’s efforts but they failed to find a response to Clare’s late flurry of points.

The Liam MacCarthy Cup holders will be hoping for a better outcome when they travel to the LIT Gaelic Grounds to take on Limerick in round 2 next  Friday (7.30pm).

Clare - A Fahy (0-1f); J McCarthy, J Browne, E Quirke; C Malone, K Hehir, D Fitzgerald; D Ryan (0-2), D Reidy; I Galvin (1-2), N Deasy (0-7, 5f), S Morey (1-0); M O’Neill, C Guilfoyle, P Collins (0-3). Subs: A McCarthy (0-1) for D Ryan, R Taylor for I Galvin, A Shanagher for S Morey, C McInerney (0-1) for M O’Neill, D McMahon for C Guilfoyle.

Tipperary - Paul Maher; J O’Dwyer, J Moloney, C Morgan; A Flynn, R Maher, R Byrne; M Breen (0-1), P Cadell; M Kehoe, T Fox (1-0), J Cahill; W Connors (0-1), J Forde (0-14, 7f, 2sl), P Flynn (0-3). Subs: C Darcy for T Fox, M McCarthy for J Cahill, P Maher for J O’Dwyer, B Heffernan for J Moloney.

Referee - C Lyons.

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