Clare find extra gear to edge Cork in historic hurling final epic

A Banner day. Eventually.

Clare are All-Ireland champions for the first time in 11 years after beating Cork in an extraordinary extra-time hurling final.

The teams were level 14 times over almost 100 minutes of thrilling action and Shane Meehan's point was the only thing to separate them at the second final whistle.

They had been deadlocked at 1-12 apiece following a frantic first half, Clare fighting back from seven down after Rob Downey’s superb solo goal with a major of their own from Aidan McCarthy.

Brian Lohan’s side scored two more in the second half, through Mark Rodgers and a moment of magic from captain Tony Kelly (1-04), but Cork battled to the end and a 76th-minute Patrick Horgan free ensured a historic first extra-time hurling final, 3-21 to 1-27.

Cork took over the lead for the first time since the 32nd minute but they were still level heading into the second additional period.

Eibhear Quilligan saved from substitute Robbie O'Flynn. Clare rattled over three in a row. Horgan hit two. Into the final seconds, O’Flynn leapt high, landed, turned and shot under pressure from Conor Leen. Wide. Clare by one after an afternoon of incredible drama.

Horgan regained the mantle of all-time record championship scorer with 0-12 (10f) on the day but the one title he craves continues to elude the 36-year-old.

Clare are kings of Ireland for the fifth time. Cork's longest ever drought will extend to 20 years after a fourth final loss since 2005.

More to follow…