Clare shock fancied Tipp side

Clare 2-17 Tipperary 0-14

All-Ireland finalists Clare broke their duck with a hard-fought nine point win over a fancied Tipperary side at Pairc Ui Caoimh.

The Bannermen outclassed and outhurled the league finalists as the forward line, so many times caught lacking against Tipp, played with skill and accuracy.

First half goals from Jamsie O'Connor and Munster debutant Andrew Quinn gave Clare the upper hand on a makeshift Tipperary defence in the absence of Philip Maher and Eamon Corcoran.

The Banner went in at the break 2-10 to 0-5 up, Eoin Kelly keeping Tipp in touch.

Tipp began the second half with points from Eoin Kelly and John Carroll, and it was tit for tat until the 60th minute when Clare captain Seanie McMahon was sent to the line for a foul on Conor Gleeson. He was joined a minute later by Tipperary's John Carroll.

Clare roared on and, despite two Brendan Cummins saves and points from Brian O'Meara (0-2) and Eoin Brislane, were too far ahead for Tipperary to muster a late challenge.