Bench firepower propels Loughmore-Castleiney into Munster final

Éire Óg Ennis 2-07 Loughmore-Castleiney 3-09

Fresh legs off the bench ensured that Loughmore-Castleiney advanced to a first Munster SFC final since 1973 with a five-point victory over Éire Óg Ennis.

Substitutes Ciarán Connolly and Philip O'Connell fired late goals to secure the Tipp double champions’ progress to the decider against Dr Crokes in front of 928 fans at Cusack Park.

It also avenged their extra-time defeat to the same opponents three years ago.

Ronan Lanigan recovered to make it five current Clare seniors in the Éire Óg starting line-up but county-final man of the match Colm Walsh O’Loghlen remained absent and dual star Oran Cahill was ruled out.

The Loughmore camp had suffered from illness in their hurling semi-final defeat to Ballygunner last weekend but showed few lingering aftereffects in the opening minute.

Having contested the throw-in, John McGrath snuck inside to take a pass and laid off for his younger brother Brian to bundle to the net.

Éire Óg were backed by a strong but swirling wind which they failed to master. Still, they were level in the seventh minute.

Ikem Ugwueru won his first of a handful of turnovers, exchanged passes with Darren O’Brien, and was fouled approaching goal. Referee Brendan Griffin initially signalled a free but on closer inspection, awarded a penalty. Mark McInerney stepped up for fire home.

As Éire Óg continued to waste point-scoring opportunities, Loughmore proved far more efficient as they worked the ball close to the target. Liam McGrath, Ciarán McGrath, Liam Treacy, and John Ryan scored via that method for a 1-04 to 1-00 lead.

When Éire Óg did hit back in the 26th minute, it was with another goal. Ciarán Russell got in around the end line and looped a handpass across for Gavin