Clare beat Kerry in U21 football championship

Clare 1-6 Kerry 0-6

Clare created history at Kilmihil this afternoon as they beat Kerry for only the third time in the history of the Munster Under-21 football championship, running out 1-6 to 0-6 winners in their first round encounter.

Midfielder David Ryan cracked home the game's only goal, five minutes into the second half, as the Banner booked a semi-final date with Tipperary in two weeks' time in Kilmallock. Cork and Waterford will clash in the other semi-final.

Hosts Clare, who hit an incredible 16 wides to Kerry's three, led 0-4 to 0-3 at the break with the wind at their backs.

Former minor star Paddy Curran missed two goal good chances for Kerry who were strangely lethargic.

It was left to Sean Cullinan to hit two late points to seal Clare's first U-21 win over the Kingdom since 1985.

Kieran O'Leary, who will be in action with Dr. Crokes in next weekend's All-Ireland club final, was one of the few Kerry players to perform or be allowed to perform to his ability as Clare produced a memorable display for the 1,000-strong crowd.