Banner crush Down

Clare 5-22 Down 0-06

Clare kept the pressure on Division 2 leaders Limerick with a facile victory over Down at Cusack Park today.

Down’s hopes of pulling off a shock win in Ennis were hit by red cards for Kevin McGarry (18 mins) and Aidan Clarke (36).

McGarry was dismissed for his second bookable offence before Clare cantered clear for a 2-12 to 0-02 lead at the break.

In cold conditions, Caimin Morey, who started at full-forward, and Colin Ryan both netted in a productive five-minute spell for the Banner men.

Darach Honan set up Morey's goal with a storming run and handpass, and Morey was fouled for a penalty which Ryan dispatched past goalkeeper Graham Clarke.

Conor Mageen and Eoin Clarke pointed for Down in the opening half, with the latter's score arriving in the 33rd minute. There was still time for John Conlon and Morey to add to Clare's tally, stretching the margin to 16 points.

Down full-forward Clarke was shown a straight red card by referee John Ryan for a wild pull on Pat Vaughan. That left Down with just 13 players and the result was sewn up by quick-fire points from Nicky O'Connell (0-02), Jonathan Clancy, Cian Dillon and Conlon.

Ryan then tucked away his second goal and two frees from Down's James Coyle were dwarfed by a brace of goals from substitute Diarmuid McMahon in a three-minute spell.

Ryan completed the scoring in Clare's third win in four league games, running his personal haul up to 2-05. O'Connell (0-06) and Morey (1-02) also did well in front of goal.