Rebels rally to deny Clare in Munster U20HC final

May 16, 2023

The Cork team lift Jamie Cashman with the Munster U20 trophy after their victory over Clare at TUS Gaelic Grounds, Limerick

Cork came from four points down in the final quarter to claim a 1-23 to 1-21 victory and a third Munster U20HC title in four years at Clare's expense at the TUS Gaelic Grounds last night.

Trailing by 1-15 to 1-19 after 47 minutes, Ben O'Connor's side outscored Clare by 0-8 to 0-2 thereafter to qualify for an All-Ireland final against either Wexford or Offaly - who contest the Leinster final tomorrow evening - on May 27. Points from William Buckley and Ben Cunningham reduced the deficit to two before Keith Smyth replied with his 10th point for the Banner.

But the momentum remained with the Rebels who scored the next three points per sub Jack Leahy and Cunningham (two) to draw level. Further scores from Diarmuid Healy and Cunningham (free) secured the title for Cork.

With 5,402 spectators in attendance, Cork led by 1-11 to 0-10 at half-time thanks to a 13th minute goal from captain Micheál Mullins. 

A Sean Rynne goal brought Clare level shortly after the restart before Patrick Crotty gave them the lead, 1-13 to 1-12, for the first time since the third minute. When Jack O'Neill made it a four-point game heading down the home straight, it looked like the Banner would prevail, but Cork finished with a flourish to take the spoils.


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