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Irish Mirror
Irish Mirror
Sport
Daragh Small

History made as Limerick defeat Clare in Championship's first ever penalty shootout

James Naughton hit the winning penalty as Limerick advanced to the final four in Munster after victory over Clare.

It was an historic win as this was the first time a senior championship match was decided by penalties.

With the big two on the opposite side of the draw Colm Collins and Billy Lee knew the size of the prize on offer at Cusack Park in Ennis.

And these two teams served up a thriller with the game going to extra-time with the game finishing level 2-16 to 1-19.

Aaron Griffin and Josh Ryan traded points early but Tubridy and Darren O’Neill twice gave Clare the lead before Griffin doubled his tally.

Limerick took their first lead when Brian Donovan scored in the 23rd minute. Ryan’s huge effort made it four in a row and Limerick’s next score was a stunner.

Full-back Fanning gathered possession inside his own half and went on a marauding run down the right before coolly slotting under Tristan O’Callaghan.

That goal came six minutes before the break but there was still time for a Clare penalty. Cillian Rouine played in Gavin Cooney who was hauled down by Fanning.

Tubridy blasted the penalty past Donal O’Sullivan to bring Clare within two, however they were three behind at half-time thanks to Ryan’s closing free.

The scores came thick and fast on the resumption but when Cleary landed an inspirational effort Clare trailed by 1-11 to 1-9.

Clare had the momentum and Gavin Cooney finally drew them within a point in and substitute Brendan Rouine equalised with five minutes of normal time left.

O’Sullivan pulled off an amazing save to deny Gavin Cooney and Jamie Malone thought he won the game for Clare but Robbie Bourke sent it to extra-time and he found the net in the 81st minute.

There was more drama when Cleary levelled it in the 91st minute and it went to penalties.


Scorers – Limerick: J Ryan 0-6 (0-5f), R Bourke 1-2 (0-2f), B Fanning 1-0, P Nash 0-2, C Fahy 0-2, B Donovan 0-1, A Enright 0-1, D Treacy 0-1, H Bourke 0-1. Clare: E Cleary 0-6 (0-2f), D Tubridy 1-1 (1-0 pen), A Griffin 0-4, B Rouine 0-2 (0-1f), D O’Neill 0-2, P Lillis 0-1, E McMahon 0-1, G Cooney 0-1, J Malone 0-1.

Referee: Conor Lane (Cork).

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