Limerick charge repelled as Clare reach Munster final

Clare are into their first Munster Senior Football Championship final since 2012 following a 1-16 to 0-16 win over Limerick at the TUS Gaelic Grounds.

Keelan Sexton's goal in the second minute proved crucial as Colm Collins’ side booked a spot against Kerry in the decider.

Limerick were three down at the break but fought back to lead at one stage but a strong finish from the Banner ensured their progress.

Sexton struck with a low shot for the game’s only goal on two minutes after easing past a couple of Limerick defenders.

It was nip and tuck from there though with Cillian Fahy and Cathal Downes landing sensational scores to keep Limerick in it.

Both sides put in titanic efforts throughout the opening 35 minutes with Eoin Cleary and Sexton a constant threat to the Limerick full-back line.

Sean O’Dea and Fahy points brought Limerick to within one at the break but efforts from Sexton and Pearse Lillis saw Clare to a 1-7 to 0-7 half time lead.

Clare continued to lead by three after 10 second half minutes but scores by Hugh Bourke, James Naughton and Barry Coleman saw Limerick draw level for the first time.

The lead changed hand a couple of more times as the game headed into the final 10 minutes.

Brian Donovan was denied by a stunning Stephen Ryan save in the final 10 minutes and Clare drew energy from the keeper’s efforts.

Emmet McMahon, Cillian Rouine and Daniel Walsh all found the target late on to hand them a three-point winning margin.

Clare: Stephen Ryan; Manus Doherty, Cillian Brennan (0-01), Cillian Rouine (0-01); Ciarán Russell, Jamie Malone (0-01), Daniel Walsh (0-01); Darragh Bohannon, Cathal O’Connor; Pearse Lillis (0-01), Emmet McMahon (0-02), Dermot Coughlan; (0-01) Eoin Cleary (0-04, 2 frees), Keelan Sexton (1-04),