Banner ‘avalanche’ levels Limerick

Davy Fitzgerald’s Clare produced a near-perfect display to dismantle and demolish their Limerick hosts in a thrilling league opener at the Gaelic Grounds on Saturday.

Ironically, it was Limerick who had the dream start, with Niall Moran goaling in the second minute after some great work by Graeme Mulcahy and David Breen. Shane Dowling then followed up with three points as the home side established a 1-6 to 0-4 lead by the 21st minute.

It was at that point, however, that Clare clicked into gear. A goal by full-forward Colin Ryan, after he was skilfully picked out by Fergal Lynch, was the spark as the Banner landed eight points in-a-row, with corner-forwards Conor McGrath and Cathal McInerney doing most of the damage.