Lightning strikes twice as Clonmel beat Nemo once more

Clonmel Commercials (Tipperary) 2-15 Nemo Rangers (Cork) 1-11

Clonmel Commercials produced a sensational performance in becoming the first team to beat Nemo Rangers twice in Munster Club SFC history with a seven-point victory at Páirc Uí Chaoimh.

Jason Lonergan was in inspired form, firing six points in a man-of-the-match performance, while Colman Kennedy scored one goal and set up another for Seán O'Connor, who finished with 1-04.

Nemo, who entered the game as odds-on favourites to add an 18th provincial title this year, had a consolation goal from Mark Cronin. They were too reliant on Luke Connolly’s six-point contribution from frees as Séamus Kennedy and Kevin Fahey excelled in defence, while Michael Quinlivan and Jack Kennedy controlled the middle third.

The 2015 champions now advance to a semi-final against Limerick champions Newcastle West.

It was notable that Clonmel finished their warm-up with a penalty-area goal-scoring drill. They certainly made that count in the first half. In the seventh minute, the Kennedy brothers, Conall and Colman, sliced Nemo open, and O'Connor applied an emphatic finish to the corner.

It would become a first half of goal chances. For Nemo, Jack Horgan fired over when eyeing the goal and Connolly had another saved by the legs of Michael O’Reilly.

At the other end, Lonergan had a shot blocked by the advancing Micheál Aodh Martin, who later deflected over from Pádraic Looram. In between, however, Lonergan’s injection of pace opened up Nemo again and Colman Kennedy’s fine finish found the top corner. That made it 2-02 to 0-04 in the 18th minute, a lead added to by a Lonergan free.

Colman Kennedy coolly slips home a second goal for @CommercialsGAA - They currently lead by five against