Cork 1-22 Clare 1-12

Cork strengthened their push for a Munster MHC final place with a controlled win over Clare at Páirc Uí Rinn on Friday night. After a recent defeat to Tipperary, this performance keeps a rematch with the Premier within reach.

The Rebels were well served by captain Eoin Considine at wing-back and Callum Coffey in attack, who scored 0-4 from play. The game’s key moment arrived when Considine’s high catch sparked a sweeping move finished by Tadhg McCarthy’s goal, giving Cork a 1-11 to 1-6 lead on 33 minutes.

From there Cork took control. Coffey, McCarthy and Bobby Power led the scoring, with Power finishing on 0-8 overall. Clare briefly fought back when James O’Donnell struck a goal, but Cork responded strongly and never relinquished control after half-time.

Although Cork were wasteful in front of goal early on, their defence remained solid and limited Clare’s scoring opportunities. Further points from play and frees stretched the gap into double figures late on, with Ben Talty providing Clare’s final score.

Cork now face Limerick knowing a draw will be enough to reach the Munster final, while Clare must await other results. Cork’s win underlined their progress in the championship and sets up a decisive clash with Limerick next weekend where qualification for the final will be at stake decided.

Scorers for Cork: B Power 0-8 (0-4 f), T McCarthy 1-2, C Coffey 0-4, S Ring 0-3 (0-2 f), C Murphy 0-2, T Murphy, S Riordan, R Cagney 0-1 each.

Clare: B Talty 0-6 (0-4 f), J O’Donnell 1-2, I Hassett, C Mullins, M Sheehan, P Murphy (0-1 f) 0-1 each.

CORK: M Walsh (Youghal); J Batterbury (Castletownroche), F Cahill (Midleton), N Coffey (Na Piarsaigh); E Considine (Sarsfields), D Nolan (Erin’s Own), C Barry (Bride Rovers); S Riordan (Kilworth), S McHugh (Newtownshandrum); T McCarthy (Watergrasshill), B Power (Ballincollig), L O’Regan (St Finbarr’s); S Ring (Carrigtwohill), C Coffey (Na Piarsaigh), C Murphy (Ballinora).

Subs: T Murphy (Cloughduv) for Riordan (41), R Cagney for O’Regan (45), T Huggins (Sarsfields) for McCarthy, D Barry (Douglas) for Murphy (both 53), G Kingston (Mallow) for Considine (58).

CLARE: P Murphy; M Fitzpatrick, C Maxted, O Perill; P Murphy, C Daly, S Connellan; O Duignan, I Hassett; J O’Donnell, G Madden, C Mullins; D McKenna, N Belenko, B Talty.

Subs: D Seery for Duignan, F Daffy for Madden (both 43), C Coffey for McKenna, M Sheehan for Belenko (50), S Daly for Connellan (53).

Referee: C Ryan (Tipperary).