Tipperary's sucker punch KOs Clare challenge

Tipperary 2-7 Clare 1-7: Tipperary emerged from a game their manager Liam Kearns aptly described as a “war of attrition” to claim their first victory of the season in Division 3 of the Allianz Football League.

Three points out of four is an acceptable return for Tipp from their first two outings but Clare boss Colm Collins lamented some poor decision-making in the first half from his players, who operated with a strong wind from the start. This tie was played in atrocious conditions at Sean Treacy Park in Tipperary Town, as heavier rain became a feature of the second half.

Clare registered 10 first-half wides and were 0-4 to 1-4 behind at the break, Tipp’s goal an early one courtesy of Conor Sweeney, who picked up the pieces after the impressive Philip Austin rattled a shot off the crossbar.