Limerick dispose of Clare in Ennis sunshine

Limerick 2-14, Clare 0-12 (full-time)

A 14-man Limerick brushed aside an inept Clare challenge to reach the Munster Senior Football Final at a sunny Cusack Park, Ennis today.

Corner-back Mark O’Riordan was dismissed in the 22nd minute for a rash and dangerous challenge on Clare’s Brian Considine.

Even though a numerical disadvantage would have hindered other sides, Limerick put this trouble behind them and comprehensively destroyed a rudderless Clare outfit.

A goal by Limerick corner forward Conor Fitzgerald after four minutes paved the way for victory.

By the half-time break the visitors enjoyed a 1-8 to 0-6 lead with their team captain Muiris Gavin providing some inspirational scores.

In the second half Clare remained scoreless for 14 minutes. By this stage, Limerick had total control, and by the time Johnny Murphy fisted their second goal in the 58th minute, the provincial decider beckoned.