Cathal Malone's ninth-minute goal set the tone for Clare's 2-25 to 2-22 victory over Wexford in this afternoon's All-Ireland SHC Round 1 qualifier in the Thurles heat.
Brian Lohan's men made a blistering start to open up an 11-point lead midway through the first half before eight Wexford points without reply either side of half-time reduced the deficit to just two points, 1-13 to 1-15.
However, Wexford couldn't get any closer as the Banner prevailed to leave a big question mark over Davy Fitzgerald's future with the Model County.
TweetCathal Malone scores @GaaClare's opening goal against Wexford pic.twitter.com/L5ZzPpaXJy
— Sky Sports GAA (@SkySportsGAA) July 17, 2021