Clare battle back after terrible start

A SPIRITED Clare bounced back from a horror start to win Saturday’s exciting All-Ireland IHC semi-final at Cusack Park, Ennis.

The outcome appeared sealed inside two minutes by which time Brian Murphy and Kevin Keehan had plundered Galway goals. However, Clare kept their cool and were rewarded in the 4th minute when Pádraig Hickey netted for the hosts. After the thundering start the game then settled as both sides reeled off points with Galway maintaining a narrow lead at the break (2-7 to 1-7).

Clare veteran Niall Gilligan narrowed the gap on the restart before Joe O’Leary (‘65) and a Keehan free in the 38th minute had Galway four clear. Remarkably, it was to be their last score as they capitulated to a hungrier home outfit.