Cork defence in mean mood

Cork 1-11 Clare 1-6

Forced to line out without senior players John Gardiner and Fergus Murphy, their replacements Gerry O’Mahony and Ronan McGregor did all that was asked of them in a disappointing contest, which drew a crowd of 2,320.

Cork’s defence was superb, with Martin Coleman in goal always in command. Gardiner’s absence meant Cian O’Connor moved from full-back to centre-back and he played superbly in the pivotal position, while Kevin Goggin and Michael Prout were also very prominent in the Cork defence.