Late Clare goals key as they beat Tipperary to reach Munster U-20 hurling final

Tipperary 0-17 Clare 3-17

Clare are hoping to bridge a nine-year void in the Munster U-20 Hurling Championship when they face up to holders Cork next week after a comfortable win over Tipperary in the semi-final at FBD Semple Stadium.

Two goals by Kevin Smyth in the closing ten minutes clinched victory for Clare who made the running most of the way against a below-par Tipperary.

The sides had drawn when they met in the round-robin series in Ennis earlier but there was no disputing Banner's superiority on this occasion. A goal by David Kennedy after 11 minutes gave Clare a 1-1 to 0-3 lead and it should have been greater but for some slack finishing (nine wides in the first half).

Eddie Ryan with three points led the Tipperary recovery to go 0-10 to 1-5 clear after 25 minutes but Clare finished well and the sides were level 1-08 to 0-11 at half-time.

After 53 minutes the sides were still level but after Tipp fluffed a glorious goal chance in the 55th minute, Clare surged downfield for Smyth to field a high delivery and blast to the net. In injury time he set the seal on the win with his second goal from a long-range free.

Patrick Crotty was an inspiring figure for Clare in attack where Kevin Smyth, with 2-07,(1-f from frees) was top scorer and also a huge influence. Daithi Lohan, John Kenneally, goalie Aaron Shanahan and Sean Rynne were others to shine.

Tipp did not play to their potential and paid dearly for some missed scoring opportunities, particularly in the second half. Danny Slattery, Luke Shanahan, James Morris, Eddie Ryan and Sean Kenneally did most to try to turn the tide in their favour.

Tipperary: J O Dwyer; D Slattery (0-01), R Doyle, L Shanahan; C Quinn (0-01), J Caesar, C McKelvey; J Morris, D Stakelum (0-01); S