Relief and redemption for Colm Collins and Clare

Clare 1-19 Offaly 2-14

The Bannermen bounced back from a chastening experience against Kerry, although manager Colm Collins admitted watching Éamonn Fitzmaurice’s side put Cork to the sword may have put a slightly better slant on that hammering.

His team’s progress was in doubt right to the end though, as Offaly, under interim manager Paul Rouse, were magnificent, buoyed by a vocal home support.