Clare power and class too much for Limerick

The turnstiles were clicking merrily at the Gaelic Grounds last night for this Munster hurling U21 opening round match, so much so that throw-in was delayed 15 minutes, to 7.45pm, as 6,000 fans made their way in .

Understandable also — lovely summer’s evening, two counties on a high, Clare the reigning All-Ireland champions at both U21 and senior, Limerick reigning Munster senior champions and victors over Tipperary last Sunday.

One of the heroes of that Limerick win was sharp-shooter Shane Dowling and as captain of this team he was back in action again last night and back on song. Six points Shane scored in the opening half, all from distance into a stiff breeze as Limerick looked set fair for a surprise win, only trailing 0-10 to 0-8.