McMahon’s last-gasp strike enough to see off Cork

Clare 1-17 Cork 1-16

Clare would have won well but for the brilliance of Cork goalkeeper Paul Morrissey, who brought off two magnificent saves from Tony Carmody and Brian Nugent in the first half.

Cork, parading just three of their All-Ireland starting winning 15 full back Diarmuid O' Sullivan, centre-

back Ronan Curran and midfielder Jerry O'Connor held their own in the first half despite the excellence of the Clare full forward line composed of Andrew Quinn, Brian Nugent and Tony Carmody.

The Clare front-runners notched up a combined total of 11 points even though Nugent and Carmody were replaced in the closing quarter.

The sides were level on three occasions in the opening quarter before Cork grabbed the lead in the 22nd minute when O'Callaghan tapped home an excellent cross from Ronan to leave it 1-6 to 0-4 in the home side's favour. But Clare, with Carmody causing havoc battled back and a goal from centre forward Conor Plunkett brought his side level at 1-8 apiece.

Anderson, O'Callaghan and Ronan caught the eye for Cork with some splendid scores, while Morrissey was always excellent in goal. However, Carmody, Nugent and Quinn were not found wanting for the Bannermen and they made sure the Leesiders would get nothing easy.

Clare jumped into a two points lead early in the second-half but Cork rallied strongly to get back level in the 40th minute when Jonathan O'Callaghan hit over his fourth point from a free.

With Frank Lohan now excelling on the left flank of the Clare attack, the visitors looked to have the match wrapped up when they opened up a five point lead thanks to Lohan, Colin Lynch and the very impressive Brian Nugent, entering the closing quarter.

Then Cork introduced two other members of their All-Ireland winning team, Timmy McCarthy and Niall McCarthy, and coinciding with their entry, John Anderson hit over two spectacular points to bring Cork back into contention.

Ronan and full forward James Bowles brought the sides level for the fifth time in the 68th minute, but then McMahon struck.

Scorers for Clare: C. Plunkett 1-1; T. Carmody 0-4; B. Nugent 0-4; A. Quinn 0-3; F. Lohan 0-2; D. McMahon, C. Lynch and S. McMahon (65) 0-1 each.

Cork. J. O'Callaghan 1-4 (0-2 from frees); N. Ronan 0-4; J. Anderson 0-4; J. Bowles 0-2; J. P. King and G. McCarthy 0-1 each.

CLARE: D. Fitzgerald; S. Harrison, B. Lohan, B. Quinn; D. Hoey, S. McMahon, A. Markham; B. Quinn, D. McMahon; C. Lynch, C. Plunkett, F. Lohan; T. Carmody, B. Nugent, A. Quinn; Subs. J. Clancy for Nugent; B. Lynch for Carmody.

CORK: P. Morrissey; S. Murphy, D. O'Sullivan. P. Mulcahy; G. Callinan, R. Curran, P. Kelly; K. Murphy, J. O'Connor; J. Anderson, G. McCarthy, J. P. King; J. O'Callaghan, J. Bowles, N. Ronan. Subs. T. McCarthy for King; N. McCarthy for O'Callaghan; J. Browne for Curran; K. Hartnett for Kelly; B. Murphy for Browne (injured).

Referee: K. Healy (Ballymartle).