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.
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.
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.
O Walsh (Youghal); D Fitzgerald (Bride Rovers), M Barrett (Carrigtwohill), D Heavin (Russell Rovers); MT Brosnan (Glen Rovers), C Garde (Lisgoold), D O’Leary (Ballincollig); Ben Walsh (Killeagh), C Noonan (Kanturk); Z Biggane (Charleville), Barry Walsh (Killeagh), James O’Brien (Cloyne); Johnny Murphy (Dromina), B O’Flynn (Sarsfields), F O’Brien (Erin’s Own).
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).
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.
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).
K Guina (Limerick).
Dalata Hotel Group Munster U20 Football Championship Final Live
Cork take on Kerry in the Dalata Hotel Group Munster U20 Football Championship Final.
The game will be played in Austin Stack Park, Tralee, and for supporters unable to make the journey, you can watch the match live below.
2026 Munster GAA Under 20 Hurling Championship
🏆 2026 Munster GAA Under 20 Hurling Championship
Following the completion of the group stages of the Fulfil Munster U20 Hurling Championship, Cork have secured their place in the semi-final.
Cork will face Clare in the Munster Semi-Final, with the winners advancing to meet Tipperary in the Munster Final. Tipperary finished top of the group stages to qualify directly for the final.
With Cork finishing second in the group, they will have home advantage for the semi-final, which will take place in SuperValu Páirc Uí Chaoimh on Wednesday, May 6th, with a 7:35pm throw-in.
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Ticket information will be confirmed once available.
Fixtures & Results
Round 1 – 25 March
Round 2 – 1 April
Round 3 – 8–15 April
Round 4 – 22 April
Round 5 – 29 April
Knockout Stage
📊 2026 Munster U20 Hurling Championship Table
Cork 20’s book their place in Munster Semi-Final
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 U20 Football Team Announced for Munster Final Clash with Kerry
Cork U20 Footballers are set to face Kerry in the Final of the Dalata Hotel Group U20 Munster Football Championship.
The game will take place Thursday at 7pm in Austin Stacks Park Tralee.
The Cork team to play Kerry is as follows:
Cork u20 hurling team to play Clare has been announced
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