Clare opened the defence of their Bord Gais Energy Munster and All-Ireland U21HC titles with a hard-earned victory over neighbours Limerick at the Gaelic Grounds last night.

Clare 1-15
Limerick 1-12

Conor McGrath was in superb form for John Minogue's charges, with 0-5 of his 0-9 haul coming from open play, while Darach Honan came good in the closing stages to finish with 1-3 to his credit.

There was never much between the sides who were level on no fewer than six occasions. They were still locked together on 0-12 each with eight minutes remaining before Thomas O'Brien scored what looked like being the winning goal for Limerick after 55 minutes. But within 60 seconds, Honan responded for the All-Ireland champions and they pulled clear in the closing stages.

Limerick established an early 0-3 to 0-0 lead thanks to two points from O'Brien and another from Sean Tobin before McGrath opened the Banner's account in the 10th minute. Limerick had stretched their lead to 0-6 to 0-2 by the 20th minute, but Clare then had five unanswered points from Honan (two), Eoin Hayes and McGrath (two) to go into the break on level terms.

McGrath edged Clare in front on the restart, but two points from Limerick substitute Kevin Downes kept things tight until the Banner kicked clear late on. Tweet

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