Hurling round-up: Cork see off Clare, Wexford begin 2024 with a win

Cork 1-24 Clare 0-24

Conor Lehane's first-minute goal gave a more experienced Cork side the Munster Hurling League victory over Clare at Páirc Uí Rinn.

Lehane had 1-03 before being rested at half-time, while Shane Kingston added 0-08. They could’ve won by far more but for 22 wides to Clare’s three.

The Banner had impressive performances from Cathal Malone and Robin Mounsey (0-04), while free-taker Aidan McCarthy tallied 0-13 by the end.

Cork are scheduled to face Limerick on Wednesday at Rathkeale, with the winners to meet Waterford in next Sunday’s final. A draw would send John Kiely’s side through.

Pat Ryan had named the same team as were due to start their postponed opener against Limerick last weekend, although late switches saw Cathal McCarthy, Ciarán Joyce, and Brian Roche replace Seán O’Donoghue, Conor O’Callaghan and Darragh Fitzgibbon.

Brian Lohan made a full quota of 15 changes from their midweek loss to the All-Ireland champions, including a pre-match call-up for Stephen Conway in place of Keelan Hartigan.

There were debuts for Tadhg Dean, Aidan Moriarty, Cian Barron, and Killian O’Connor, plus first starts for another handful of hopefuls.

The hosts had the greater exposure to this level, though, and their most seasoned campaigner popped up with a goal after 59 seconds. Lehane latched onto debutant Brion Saunderson’s puck-out and he went all the way to rattle the net.

Cork held that cushion for most of the half, with Lehane adding three points, Kingston scoring 0-08, four of those from play, and Robbie Cotter impressing with an efficient three points.

At the other end, Mounsey started centre-forward and he prospered with four points, while McCarthy reeled off 0-07.

They were level for the only time in the 24th minute,