Cork were a class apart as they effortlessly inflicted a 1-20 to 1-8 defeat on Clare at Pairc Ui Rinn.

The result means the Leesiders will face holders and arch rival Kerry in the 2015 Munster final on July 5th.

The Rebels cantered to a 0-10 to 0-4 interval lead, Colm O'Neill closing the first-half scoring with a brace of frees. The Banner County notched two of the first three points, Pat Burke edging them in front for the only time in the match before Brian O'Driscoll - with his second - and Donncha O'Connor gave the hosts a lead they would not subsequently relinquish.

O'Connor (2), Brian Hurley and O'Neill (free) were all on target as Brian Cuthbert's men landed six successive scores to take control of proceedings.

There was no way back for the visitors, who netted a consolation goal from Cathal O'Connor at the midway stage in the second half. But O'Connor struck the Cork goal from the penalty spot on the hour and the winners never had to move out of second gear.

Cork - K O'Halloran; C Dorman, M Shields, J Loughrey; S Cronin, Brian O'Driscoll (0-2), Barry O'Driscoll; A O'Connor, K O'Driscoll; C O'Driscoll, M Collins (0-2), P Kerrigan (0-2); C O'Neill (0-5, 4f), B Hurley (0-1), D O'Connor (1-5, 1-0pen, 0-3f). Subs: P Kelly for B Hurley, R Deane for A O'Connor, F Goold (0-1) for C O'Driscoll, Tomas Clancy for C Dorman, J Hayes (0-2, 1f) for D O'Connor, P Kelleher for C O'Neill.

Clare - J Hayes; S Hickey, C Russell, K Hartnett; D Ryan (0-1), G Kelly, M McMahon; G Brennan (0-2, 1f), C O'Connor (1-2, 0-1'45); K Sexton, J Malone (0-1), S Collins; R Donnelly, E Cleary, P Burke (0-1). Subs: C Dunning for R Donnelly, C O'Dea for E Cleary, D O'Halloran (0-1) for P Burke.

Referee - J McQuillan.

Tweet

Most Read Stories