Munster Senior Football Championship
Waterford 2.20
Clare 1.09
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Clare crushed Waterford's Munster football final dreams on a sun drenched Saturday evening in Dungarvan.
In front of 1,504 spectators, goals in either half from Emmet McMahon and Mark McInerney saw the Banner comfortably progress to the provincial decider against Kerry (2-20 to 1-9).
All six forwards scored from play for a classy Clare outfit. McMahon (1-3), McInerney (1-2) and Ciaran Downes (0-4) all starred for the visitors. Darragh Bohannon bossed the midfield exchanges.
Tom O'Connell fisted home a second half goal for the Déise who fought until the bitter end. Liam Fennell summed up that never say die attitude. The Stradbally defender won seven frees and lifted the crowd with his tough tackling.
Jason Curry sent Waterford into the lead very briefly with a point off the outside of his right boot. The next seven white flags belonged to the Banner who played with a slight breeze in the first half. Mark Fitzgerald's side marched into a 7-1 lead after thirteen minutes as Aaron Griffin, Darragh Bohannon, Emmet McMahon and Mark McInerney also split the posts.
The Déise dug in and points from Sean Whelan Barrett, Robbie McGrath and Ross Browne closed the gap to five (0-9 to 0-4). Three minutes before the break, Paudie Hunt saved from Griffin but McMahon slammed the rebound to the net. Clare ten points up and out of sight at the break (1-11 to 0-4).
Twelve minutes into the second half, McInerney palmed to the net after a defence splitting run from Darragh Bohannon. Waterford never gave up and hit straight back as O'Connell punched home a point attempt from Dermot Ryan. Paul Shankey emptied the bench and Alan Dunwoody scored shortly after his introduction.
The hosts missed 2-4 in the last quarter. Michael Curry saw his shot blocked down by Clare goalkeeper Stephen Ryan. After a strong run from James Walsh, Dunwoody lost control of the ball just as he was about to pull the trigger.
Aaron Griffin got three second half points and sub Diarmuid O'Donnell chipped in with two as Clare qualified for the Munster final with fourteen points to spare. Waterford now look forward to the Tailteann Cup next month.
The Big Match on WLR is brought to you by George Corbett Motors.
