Cork powered past Clare on a 4-19 to 2-21 scoreline in the Munster U20 Hurling Championship at Páirc Uí Chaoimh, with four goals proving decisive in a thrilling contest that will be repeated in next week’s semi-final.

Trailing by a point at half-time (1-11 to 1-10), Cork exploded into the second half. Colm Garde levelled before a slick move ended with Johnny Murphy firing to the net. Further goals from Barry Walsh and Finn O’Brien kept Cork in control during a tense finale.

Clare, who had won their previous three games, pushed hard with Fred Hegarty and Thomas O’Connor leading the charge. O’Connor struck twice for goal, while Hegarty’s scoring kept the Banner within touching distance.

However, Cork’s resilience proved key. Goalkeeper Oisín Walsh produced vital saves, and Barry Walsh sealed the win with a superb late point.

Despite the victory, scoring difference sees Cork face Clare again in the semi-final.

Scorers for Cork: Barry Walsh 1-5 (0-1 f), James O’Brien 0-6 (0-5 f), Johnny Murphy 1-2, Barry O’Flynn, F O’Brien 1-0 each, Z Biggane 0-2, D Heavin, C Garde, Ben Walsh, C Noonan 0-1 each.

Clare: F Hegarty 0-8 (0-5 f), T O’Connor 2-2, M Collins, R Kilroy 0-4 each, R Hayes, D Costello, P Rodgers 0-1 each.

Subs: J Counihan (Watergrasshill) for Noonan (51-53), John Murphy (Mallow) for Biggane (55), Counihan for O’Leary (57), C O’Sullivan (Na Piarsaigh) for F O’Brien (58), Jack O’Brien (Douglas) for Brosnan (59).

CLARE: M Sheedy; J Casey, R Loftus, E Gunning; J Moylan, M O’Halloran, R Hayes; D Costello, G Ball; F Hegarty, M Collins, R Kilroy; S Boyce, T O’Connor, P Rodgers.

Subs: H Doherty for Boye (39), J Hegarty for Moylan (47), R Keane for Ball (49), M Cleary for Rodgers (54), S Arthur for Costello (60).

Referee: K Guina (Limerick).

Cork’s U20 hurlers return to action this Wednesday night, April 29th, as they take on Clare at SuperValu Páirc Uí Chaoimh.

The team to play has been announced as follows