Cork see off Clare challenge

Clare 0-08 Cork 2-03, Cooraclare

Clare's grip on the McGrath Cup was loosened by Conor Counihan's Cork side at Cooraclare this afternoon.

First half goals from Kevin O'Sullivan (penalty) and Conor McManus propelled Cork to a 2-02 to 0-04 half-time lead.

The Banner men faced into a gale in the second half but they upped their game considerably.

Stephen Monaghan pointed for them after nine minutes, Keith Whelan added another and two points in quick succession from Cathal O'Connor and the aforementioned O'Dwyer levelled the sides at 0-08 to 2-02.

But the match-winning point arrived for Cork when Fintan Goold floated a '45' between the posts.