MUNSTER IHC FINAL: Clare 2-15 Limerick 2-13:CLARE CAPTURED the Munster Intermediate title at Cusack Park, Ennis, last evening with two points to spare.

This title, Clare’s first at this level, adds to the Minor championship that was won against Waterford on Sunday last.

But if the truth be told a two-point defeat flattered a tenacious if limited Limerick, who grabbed a consolation goal in injury time by wing back Niall Maher.

The sides were level at 1-6 at the break, but Clare began the second half in whirlwind fashion and a superb goal by midfielder Ronan Keane four minutes into the half gave them the impetus to go all the way.

The experience of Niall Gilligan in that second period also helped, and his accuracy from play and placed balls saw Clare advance.

CLARE:A Fahy; M O'Regan, P Kelly, A Brigdale; J Fennessy, M Hawes, K Moynihan; R Keane (1-2), S Golden; D Keane (1-2), K Dileen, T Carmody (0-1); M Duggan, D O'Rourke (0-2) N Gilligan (0-6, 0-4 frees). Subs: M Earley for ORegan (21 mins), P Hickey (0-2) for Duggan (36 mins), J O'Connor for Dileen (50 mins).

LIMERICK:B Hennessy; S Browne, J Dillon, D Moloney; N Maher (1-1), P Begley, T OCallaghan; C Allis (0-4, 0-2 65s), D Hanley; D Ahearne, S Madden (0-1), S O'Brien (0-2); M Ryan (1-1), D O'Connor (0-2), T Quaid (0-1). Subs: N Kennedy (0-1) for Madden (37 mins), S Dowling for Hanley (45 mins), E Gleeson for Ahearne (57 mins).

Referee:C McAllister (Cork).