Clare needed only a draw to reach the semi-final, but had 11 points to spare over Limerick, who had already qualified and looked like a team only fulfilling the fixture. But for a short period before halftime, Limerick were always playing catch-up.

A Brian Begley goal and points from Mark Keane and Dave Ryan in the run-up to half-time saw the first half end level, but Clare might have had three goals, with PJ O'Connell and Conor Earlie missing from play and Alan Markham pointing a penalty.

Limerick's only score in the second period, was a point from a free by Keane, but Clare cut loose with points and two goals. Gordon Malone scored with a high ball from midfield and Sean Ryan, set up by Alan Markham and David Forde, scored a cracker.

Clare: G O'Connell; C Forde, K Kennedy, C Harrison; D McMahon, R O'Looney, F Lohan; G Malone (1-1), E Flannery; T Griffin (0-1), PJ O'Connell, D Forde (0-2); D Quinn, A Markham (0-6, five frees), C Earlie. Subs: B Lohan for Kennedy (inj); B Quinn for McMahon; S Ryan (1-1) for Earlie; T Carmody (0-3) for Griffin; B Forde for F Lohan (inj).

Limerick: D Bulfin; D Reale, S McDonagh (Capt), D Ryan (0-1, free); D Cremin, B Geary, W Walsh; E Stapleton (0-1), K Cregan; S O'Halloran, B Begley (1-0), A O'Connor; K Tobin, M Keane (0-3, one free), D Anderson (0-1). Subs: M Kirby for Begley (inj); P Earls for Reale; P Tobin for K Tobin; S Mullane for Anderson.

Referee: M Carroll (Galway).