Munster U21FC: Rebels stroll past Clare
March 29, 2012
Cork's Brian Hurley is surrounded by the Clare defence during the Cadbury Munster Under 21 Football Championship Semi-Final at Pairc Ui Rinn
Clare 1-6
Holders Cork progressed to the Cadbury Munster U21FC final after easily disposing of Clare's challenge at Pairc Ui Rinn last night.
John Cleary's charges were rocked by the concession of a 13th minute Darren O'Neill goal - he fisted Shane Brennan's sideline kick past the advancing Sean Mellett - but the home side hit back with points from John O'Rourke. Despite losing team captain Rory O'Sullivan to a suspected cruciate ligament injury, the Rebels continued to dominate and Jamie Wall's goal had them perched on a 1-9 to 1-2 lead at the break.
Clare, who had conceded an unanswered 1-6 in the second quarter, opened the second half scoring through a Cathal McInerney free, but once again the favourites responded with a superb goal from Luke Connolly in the 33rd minute.
Mark Sugrue added a third goal in the 44th minute after both Ruairi Deane and Connolly were involved in the build-up.
Cork - S Mellett; D O'Donovan, D Cahalane, A Cronin; J Cronin, T Clancy, J Wall (1-0); R O'Sullivan, R Deane; K Hallissey (0-1), M Sugrue (1-1), J O'Rourke (0-5); D Mac Eoin (0-1), L Connolly (1-2), B Hurley (0-4). Subs - E Healy for O'Sullivan, B O'Driscoll for Cronin, D Drake(0-1) for Hurley, D Nation for Deane, C O'Sullivan for O'Donovan.
Clare - W De Loughrey; E Ralph, E Malone, M O'Connor; S Malone (0-1), S Collins, S Tierney; K O'Connor, D O'Neill (1-1); E Fincuane, C Ryan, M Malone; C McInerney (0-2), S Brennan, P Collins. Subs - M O'Shea for Ryan, S O'Driscoll (0-1) for Malone, C O'Brien for M O'Connor, P Dillon (0-1) for Collins, R Linnane for Finucane.
Ref - P O'Sullivan (Kerry).
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