Diarmuid Ryan the match-winner as Clare book Munster final spot

Home redemption ensured that Clare are the first team into this year's Munster hurling final after holding off Cork by the minimum in front of a capacity 18,659 in Cusack Park Ennis on Sunday afternoon.

Having faltered in disappointing fashion in their opening home match four weeks earlier against Tipperary, Clare’s backlash had to be perfect as they overcame holders Limerick, Waterford and now Cork to progress to their second successive provincial decider.

In truth, it was no more than their deserved, even if they made much harder work of it than entirely necessary, having led by as much as eight points at the start of the second period.

Rousing goals either side of half-time through Tony Kelly, one from play and then a clinical penalty only two minutes into the new half powered the Banner 2-13 to 1-8 clear.

However, some uncharacteristic misses especially from frees kept Cork’s hopes alive, enough to claw their way back into contention after a Declan Dalton rebound goal from a penalty was bolstered by a 64th minute trademark Patrick Horgan goal to level the tie at 2-17 to 3-14.

Crucially the hosts never allowed Cork to get their noses in front however, with big scores from wing-backs David McInerney (2) and finally a Diarmuid Ryan winner from his own half sufficient to edge their side relievedly over the line.

In what was a compelling Munster Championship tie throughout, Cork’s goal intent was clear from the outset with Horgan teeing up Conor Cahalane for an emphatic opening major in only the eighth minute to separate the sides at 1-4 to 0-4.

Patrick Horgan had a goal ruled out earlier but he's set up Conor Cahalane who emphatically found the net for Cork and gave them a 1-04 to 0-04 lead over Clare