Allianz Hurling League Division 1A – Clare 0-18 Galway 1-13

Clare 0-18 Galway 1-13

Report from the RTE.ie web site

Clare held on to claim a 0-18 to 1-13 victory in the Allianz Hurling League Division 1B despite a determined Galway revival in Ennis. The Banner led 0-12 to 0-08 at the break with Colin Ryan outstanding for the home side. Under pressure Clare stayed calm to eke out a vital win and Joseph Cooney dragged a last gasp goal chance wide for the visitors

Backed by a strong wind Clare were on top for the majority of the opening period with Colin Ryan sharp from frees. Galway had offered glimpses of their potential with Joe Canning also effective from placed balls, but Clare were primed for a battle. From an early stage it was apparent that Clare wanted to make a statement following the surprise loss to Waterford. Five points on the spin between the 11th and 19th minute ensured Clare seized the initiative as Galway’s lapse in concentration was punished. Colin Ryan (4) and the impressive Padraic Collins found the range as the Banner accumulated a 0-09 to 0-04 advantage.

From then until the break Galway began to cause Clare problems with the lively Davy Glennon earning several frees. Canning was converting them with trademark accuracy, but Clare still went in armed with a four point cushion at the turnaround. Despite facing the elements Clare were determined after the restart as John Conlon’s influence increased significantly. Conlon landed three splendid scores as Clare edged 0-16 to 0-9 in front by the 43rd minute before Galway launched a comeback. The excellent Canning smashed a 20 metre free to the back of the Clare net and Galway trimmed the deficit to the minimum. Clare, though, ploughed on defiantly with late scores from Tony Kelly and substitute Fergal Lynch earning them a merited triumph.

Scorers: Clare: Colin Ryan (0-08, 7fs), T Kelly (0-03), J Conlon (0-03), P Collins (0-02), S O’Donnell (0-01), F Lynch (0-01).

Galway: J Canning (1-09, 1-8fs), D Glennon (0-01), A Harte (0-01), A Smith (0-01), N Donoghue (0-01)

Clare: P Kelly; D O’Donovan, D McInerney, S Morey; B Bugler, P Donnellan, P O’Connor; N O’Connell, Conor Ryan; Colin Ryan, T Kelly, E Barrett; S O’Donnell, J Conlon, P Collins.

Subs: F Lynch for Barrett (53 mins), C Galvin for Conor Ryan (56 mins), D Honan for O’Donnell (62 mins), J Clancy for Collins (62 mins)

Galway: C Callanan; F Moore, K Hynes, J Coen; D Collins, J Cooney, N Donoghue; I Tannian, A Smith; D Hayes, J Canning, T Haran; N Healy, J Glynn, D Glennon.

Subs: A Harte for Haran (41 mins), B Flaherty for Smith (52 mins), S Moloney for Healy (56 mins), T Og Regan for Donoghue (62-66 mins)

Referee: C Lyons (Cork)